Jamaican 400m hurdler Shiann Salmon has expressed her gratitude for being named a challenger in the inaugural Grand Slam Track series, an innovative competition that promises to reshape the sport with lucrative prize money and a high-stakes racing format. Salmon, who finished sixth in the Olympic final in Paris before running a personal best of 52.97 to win her first-ever Diamond League race in Zurich last September, becoming only the fifth Jamaican to break the 53-second barrier in the event, believes her recent performances played a key role in her selection.

Speaking with Sportsmax.TV, Salmon shared her excitement about being a part of what she described as "one of the most talked-about things this season."

"Honestly, I'm happy to be a part of it," Salmon said. "I was extremely grateful when I found out I was chosen. My agents did most of the work, but my performances in Paris and Zurich last season certainly helped make my case as a contender."

With the Grand Slam Track series requiring athletes to compete at peak levels from April through July, Salmon acknowledged the challenge of adapting her training schedule. However, she revealed that her primary focus remains on the major championships later in the year.

"Honestly, I don't think my coach, (Maurice Wilson of Sprintec Track Club) is going to centre my training around the Grand Slam Track," she explained. "This season is very long, and we need to be strategic. We will be ready to challenge the competition, but we won’t necessarily aim to peak multiple times. The ultimate goal is to make the team for Japan."

Salmon emphasized that she and her coach are taking a measured approach, ensuring that she maintains consistency throughout the year while managing performance expectations for the Grand Slam events. "We are just taking everything a step at a time and finding the right balance as to what works and what won't work," she said.

Beyond the immediate competition, Salmon sees the Grand Slam Track series as a transformative force in track and field. She highlighted the financial incentives as a major game-changer, noting that even the last-place prize money surpasses winnings from some of the sport’s biggest traditional meets.

"The prize money in Grand Slam Track is ridiculous—I’ve never seen anything like it," she said. "To finish eighth and still earn more than winners at other major meets is significant. It’s something that will draw in more athletes and elevate the competition."

Additionally, Salmon believes the format, which will see elite athletes competing frequently across four major meets, will help sharpen the competitive edge of participants.  "Racing against the best consistently will push everyone to a higher level. It forces you to adapt, refine your training, and improve your weaknesses," she opined.

As an elite 400m hurdler in the world, Salmon recognizes the unique opportunity Grand Slam Track provides. She relishes the prospect of facing her closest rivals multiple times throughout the season, allowing her to fine-tune her strategy and execution.

"Every race is a chance to learn and improve," she noted. "The more you compete against top athletes, the better you get. You can analyze your performances, adjust, and come back stronger in the next race. That’s what makes this series so exciting."

As she prepares for a long and demanding season, Salmon remains focused on fine-tuning her rhythm and hurdle technique, crucial elements in her event. "Hurdling is all about rhythm," she explained. "My coach and I are working on refining that, and once it clicks, I know I’ll be in a great position."

With the first meet of the Grand Slam Track series set to kick off in Jamaica this April, Salmon is eager to embrace the new challenge while keeping her eyes on the bigger picture—continuing her rise in the global ranks and securing a spot on Jamaica’s national team for the 2025 World Championships in Japan.

"We're taking it step by step, making sure we find the right balance," she said. "The Grand Slam Track is a huge opportunity, and I’m excited to be a part of it."