Brazilian hurdles star Alison dos Santos lived up to his reputation, delivering a commanding performance in the 400m hurdles (Long Hurdles) at the Grand Slam Track Series opener in Kingston on Friday.

Challenged early on by Jamaica’s Roshawn Clarke, who surged alongside him down the backstretch, dos Santos stayed calm under pressure. By the time they reached the final hurdle, the 2022 World Champion had shifted into another gear, leaving Clarke and the rest of the field behind in his wake.

As Clarke faded, dos Santos powered through the final 100 metres, ultimately crossing the line in a world-leading 47.61 seconds, a time that sets the bar for the 2025 season. Clarke, who had remained within striking distance for much of the race, finished in second place with a time of 48.20 seconds.

Completing the top three was Caleb Dean, who posted a time of 48.58, with Malik James King taking fourth in 48.69.

In the women’s equivalent, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was even more commanding, storming to a world-leading 52.76. The Olympic champion and world-record holder clocked a world-leading 52.76 well clear of former world-record holder Dalilah Muhammad (54.59) and Jamaica’s Rushell Clayton (55.02).

In the 800m, the USA’s Nikki Hiltz ran a spirited race to claim victory at the Grand Slam Track Series opening meet. Hiltz clocked a world-leading 1:58.23, just edging out Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji who finished second in 1:59.29. Jessica Hull was third in 1:58.58, in a thrilling, close finish.

Jamaica’s Natoya Goule-Toppin was sixth in a season’s best 1:59.78, showing good early-season form.