Salwa Eid Naser delivered a jaw-dropping performance in Kingston on Saturday night, storming to a world-leading 48.67 to win the women’s long sprint at the Grand Slam Track Series (GST) and reassert herself as a dominant force ahead of this year's World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
The 2019 World Champion, 2024 Paris Olympics silver medallist, and third-fastest woman in history obliterated a stacked field that featured Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino, triple Olympic gold medallist Gabby Thomas, and 2024 NCAA champion Nickisha Pryce. But on this night, it was all Naser.
She exploded out of the blocks like a woman on a mission, devouring the backstretch with terrifying ease. Paulino, Thomas, and the rest gave chase, but Naser’s high-octane stride and flawless transition into the final 100m left no doubt—she was in a class by herself.
With knees high and arms pumping, Naser powered through the line in 48.67 seconds, the fastest time in the world so far this year and the fastest ever on Jamaican soil.
Behind her, Gabby Thomas, who won the 200m on Friday night, surged late to claim second in 49.14, overtaking a strong but fading Paulino, who clocked 49.35 for third. Alexis Holmes, running a season's best, was next across the line in 50.12, followed by Stacey-Ann Williams, who looked strong early but faded slightly to finish in 50.35. NCAA champion Nickisha Pryce couldn’t replicate her indoor heroics and crossed in 50.92, ahead of Talitha Diggs and Dina Asher-Smith, who rounded out the field.
With Day 2 in the books, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, Tia Jones, and Emmanuel Wanyonyi put themselves in prime position to walk away with USD$100,000 cheques by winning their opening events in their respective GST categories ahead of Sunday’s finale.
Jefferson-Wooden surged late to win the 100m in 11.11, keeping herself ahead of a tightly packed field. Jenna Prandini finished second in 11.23, with Jacious Sears and Daryll Neita close behind.
In the 100m hurdles, American Tia Jones clocked 12.63 to edge Danielle Williams and Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, both finishing in 12.70. Jones’ win gives her 12 points and the inside track on the event title. World Indoor Championship bronze medallist Ackera Nugent was fourth in 12.75.
Dylan Beard stormed to victory in the 110m hurdles, winning in 13.29. Frenchman Sasha Zhoya took second in 13.34 in a close finish with Freddie Crittendon (13.35) and Daniel Roberts and Omar McLeod who were both credited with 13.36.
Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi executed a textbook race to win the 1500m in 3:35.18, narrowly ahead of American stars Yared Nuguse (3:35.36) and Cole Hocker (3:35.52). The former World U20 champion now stands as the front-runner in the short-distance category heading into Sunday.
Saturday brought a much-needed boost in crowd support inside the National Stadium, with more fans turning out to witness the action. GST founder Michael Johnson will be hoping for an even bigger turnout on Sunday as the first-ever Grand Slam Track meet wraps up. Gates open at noon.
With major payouts on the line and points contributing toward the season-long $100,000 bonus, the final day in Kingston promises fireworks.
And if Saturday’s performances are anything to go by, fans are in for a spectacular close.