Grand Slam Track™, the new global stage for elite track competition founded by four-time US Olympic Champion Michael Johnson, today announced the signings of Nozomi Tanaka, Elise Cranny, Daryll Neita, Mary Moraa, and Salwa Eid Naser. Representing Japan, the United States, Great Britain, Kenya, and Bahrain, respectively, these accomplished Racers will compete in all four Slam events during the league's inaugural season in 2025. These signings highlight Grand Slam Track™’s dedication to assembling a world-class roster of talent from across the globe that will electrify fans in the upcoming season.

“Grand Slam Track™ continues to build momentum as we get closer to our inaugural 2025 season,” said Michael Johnson, the league’s founder and Commissioner. “The attention and recognition this league is gaining is incredible, and it continues to be clear that the best in the world want to be a part of it, as you can see from this group of women we have announced today. As we continue to bring in top-tier talent from across the globe, this platform is becoming the premier stage for athletes to showcase their speed. With each new addition, we’re raising the bar and creating something truly special - a Festival of Speed - for fans to enjoy when the season kicks off in Kingston in April.”

Nozomi Tanaka is a Japanese middle and long-distance runner, holding national records in the 1500m, 3000m, and 5000m. She competed in both the 1500m and 5000m at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics. She holds personal bests of 3:59.19 and 14:29.18 in those events, respectively. Tanaka has won nine national titles across the 1500m and 5000m at the Japan Championships between 2020 and 2024. She also claimed gold in the 3000m at the 2018 World U20 Championships. Tanaka has represented Japan at the World Championships in 2019, 2022, and 2023, as well as at World Cross Country Championships in 2019, 2023, and 2024, establishing herself as one of the country’s top distance runners.

“I am delighted to be part of Grand Slam Track™ and represent my country of Japan on the global stage,” Tanaka shared. “The level of competition is incredible, and I can already feel how much it’s going to challenge me. The lineup of other Racers is fantastic and I know I’m ready to give my best to be victorious. I can’t wait to showcase my speed in Grand Slam Track™ and look forward to seeing the fans at all of the Slams in 2025.”

Elise Cranny is an American middle and long-distance runner, known for her impressive achievements in the 5000m and 10000m. The Stanford alum is a two-time Olympic finalist in the 5000m, a four-time national champion, and the American record holder in the indoor 5000m and outdoor 3000m. She was also a part of the U.S. team that set the world record in the 4x1500m relay. Cranny competed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics. She was the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials champion in the 5000m. In 2022, she broke the American indoor 5000m record (14:33.17) and claimed gold in the 5000m at the USA Outdoor Championships. Cranny also earned medals at the 2023 USA Outdoor Championships, winning both the 5000m and 10000m titles. She set the American record in the outdoor 3000m in August of 2024 with her time of 8:25.10.

“I’m honestly so excited to be part of Grand Slam Track™,” Cranny said. “It’s an incredible feeling to know I’m part of this extremely elite group of athletes who’ve set records and reached the top of their sport. But honestly, it’s more than just about the competition—it’s about what I can learn and how I can level up as an athlete. Every race is an opportunity to understand myself better, to see where I’m strong and where I can improve. I can’t wait to get racing.”

Daryll Neita is a British sprinter who has earned recognition on the global stage, particularly in the 100m and 200m events. She won silver in the 200m at the 2024 European Championships and has multiple global 4x100m relay medals, including Olympic bronze in 2016 and 2020, and Olympic silver in 2024. Neita's personal bests include 10.90 seconds in the 100m and 22.16 seconds in the 200m. A consistent performer, she has also claimed five national titles and medaled at major championships like the Commonwealth Games and World Championships, cementing her status as one of Britain's top sprinters.

“I’m really excited to be the first British woman announced as joining Grand Slam Track™, and can’t wait to start racing in this fresh new league,” said Neita. “I love the concept and getting to race twice in a weekend is fun and exciting for all of us as Racers. It’s an amazing opportunity to compete at the highest level in a whole new format that’s going to bring a lot of energy to the sport. I can’t wait to see how the season unfolds and race alongside some of the best athletes in the world. It’s going to be an incredible experience for the fans and athletes alike.”

Mary Moraa is a Kenyan middle-distance runner specializing in the 800 meters. Moraa earned the bronze medal in that event at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. She won gold in the 800m at the 2023 World Athletics Championships and at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and also earned bronze at the 2022 World Championships. Moraa is the Kenyan record holder for the 400 meters and holds the world record in the 600 meters. She was crowned the Diamond League 800m champion in 2022 and 2024 and has a personal best of 1:56.03 in the 800m. Moraa initially competed in the 400 meters before transitioning to the 800m in 2020, marking a rapid rise to the top of the sport.

“I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join Grand Slam Track™,” said Moraa. "This is a big step for me, and I’m determined to work hard and give my absolute best in every race. Competing in all four Slam events will push me to be better and to keep growing as an athlete. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead and know this is a chance to truly elevate my career, and represent Kenya on the global stage."

Salwa Eid Naser is a Bahraini sprinter who specializes in the 400 meters. Most recently, she earned silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She made history at the 2019 World Championships, winning gold in 48.14 seconds, the third-fastest performance of all time , and becoming the youngest-ever 400m world champion. Naser also claimed silver at the 2017 World Championships and bronze in the mixed-gender 4x400m relay in 2019. A two-time Diamond League 400m champion, she holds the top thirteen Asian performances in history.

“Joining Grand Slam Track™ is a huge opportunity, and I’m determined to keep pushing myself with every race,” said Naser. “This league presents an exciting challenge, and I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got. I know this season will push me to new limits, and I’m focused on making each race count. It’s all about working hard, getting better with each step, and showing up stronger every time.”

Each year, 48 athletes will be named as Grand Slam Track™ Racers. Today’s group of announced Racers takes the total unveiled to 37. The roster of Racers already announced features stars from across the world of track: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Melissa Jefferson, Masai Russell, Quincy Hall, Fred Kerley, Kenny Bednarek, Cole Hocker, Yared Nuguse, Grant Fisher, Josh Kerr, Matthew Hudson-Smith, Ackera Nugent, Roshawn Clarke, Nikki Hiltz, Cyrena Samba-Mayela, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, Alison Dos Santos, Ronald Kwemoi, Muzala Samukonga, Clement Ducos, Marileidy Paulino, Jess Hull, Daniel Roberts, Shamier Little, Marco Arop, Devon Allen, Jasmine Jones, Jereem Richards, Luis Grijalva, Rushell Clayton, Agnes Ngetich, & Tsigie Gebreselama. Fans can now be certain they will see all the superstars listed above in action in Kingston, Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles in 2025.

The remaining 48 racers will be known as Grand Slam Track™ Challengers and will be paid a set appearance fee to compete at individual Slams. Grand Slam Track™ Challengers are chosen by the Grand Slam Track™ Racing Committee based on a combination of factors including recent performances, and the most intriguing athletes and matchups.

Racers and Challengers will be assigned to compete in one of the following categories, and will all race in two events during each Slam: short sprints (100m/200m), short hurdles (100H or 110H/100m), long sprints (200m/400m), long hurdles (400H/400m), short distance (800m/1500m), or long distance (3000m/5000m). All competitors’ final placement score will be determined by their combined finishing order between the two races. In the event of a tie across the two events, it will be the athlete who had the quickest combined time across the two races who will be deemed the winner. The winner of each Slam group will take home $100,000 in prize money, and the 8th place competitor will earn $10,000. Grand Slam Track™ will have a total of $12.6m of prize money that will be awarded across the slams each year in addition to the base compensation and appearance fees paid to racers.

The focus of Grand Slam Track™ is on head to head competition, not winning times. There will be no rabbits or pacing lights. Each Slam is equally as important as any other, will have its own prize purse, and will be independently scored, with points and previous finishes not carrying over to the following Slams. All racers will compete twice over the three-day event, and all Slam events will meet World Athletics regulations, with achieved marks being eligible for rankings and standards.

Racers will compete in their own sponsored kits, without traditional hip numbers or bibs. Racers and Challengers are encouraged to work with their sponsors to create customized kits, in their own desired style. Grand Slam Track™ has no affiliation or sponsorship agreement with any shoe company; all shoe companies are considered to be important stakeholders and partners in the promotion of our racers.

Grand Slam Track™ has secured more than $30 million in financial commitments from investors and strategic partners for the launch of the league. Winners Alliance, a global, athlete-centric

commercial solution and Johnson’s operating partner, was the lead investor in the first fundraising close for the new venture. The investment in the league will aid in Johnson’s ultimate goal: to develop better engagement with fans by promoting track and field’s biggest stars and reaching new audiences with unique, innovative storytelling.

Tickets for all four Slams will go on sale on Friday, December 6th, at 10am Pacific/1pm Eastern. To learn more, please visit https://grandslamtrack.com/events

World Athletics has unveiled the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, a bold new addition to the athletics calendar designed to determine the ultimate champions of the sport. The inaugural event will take place over three thrilling evenings from September 11-13, 2026, at the Budapest National Athletics Centre in Hungary.

This revolutionary event will feature 28 events across 16 disciplines, including marquee clashes in the 100m, pole vault, and the introduction of a mixed 4x100m relay. Athletes will vie for a share of the US$10 million prize pot, with $150,000 awarded to the champions in each event.

The World Athletics Ultimate Championship will be held every two years, bridging the gap in years without a World Championships. Its fast-paced, television-friendly format promises to deliver an electrifying experience for fans both in-stadium and around the world. Each session will last under three hours, ensuring non-stop action and showcasing the world’s best athletes competing head-to-head while representing their national teams in their respective kits.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe described the event as a "game-changer" for the sport. “This new global event will be a game-changer for our sport and for our athletes. We want to bring our fans athletics like they have never seen it before – with the best of the best athletes in our sport competing head-to-head in a passion-fuelled, high-octane festival of sport,” said Coe.

The competition will span 28 events, combining traditional track and field disciplines with innovative additions. Track events include the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 100m/110m hurdles, 400m hurdles, and mixed 4x100m and mixed 4x400m relays. Field events will feature pole vault, high jump, long jump, triple jump (women), hammer throw (men), and javelin throw.

World Athletics has partnered with Tata Communications and HBS as host broadcasters, leveraging their expertise to deliver an innovative and immersive viewing experience. The agreement builds on a five-year deal covering World Athletics Series events. Infront has been appointed to lead international media rights sales, focusing on free-to-air platforms to maximize global reach and ensure that fans everywhere can experience the excitement.

“Tata Communications is thrilled to partner with World Athletics for the Ultimate Championship, a groundbreaking addition to the global track and field calendar,” said Dhaval Ponda, Tata Communications Vice President and Global Media Head. HBS CEO Dan Miodownik highlighted the event’s potential for innovation, stating, “It is a real opportunity to help shape the way coverage of athletics evolves over the coming years.”

The Ultimate Championship will return to the Budapest National Athletics Centre, which hosted the 2023 World Athletics Championships. Hungarian Secretary of State for Sports Adam Schmidt celebrated the announcement, noting Budapest’s growing reputation as a global sports hub. “It is a great honour that after the exhilarating World Athletics Championships Budapest 23, the wonderful National Athletics Centre will once again open its doors for a major international sporting event,” Schmidt said.

World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon emphasized the event’s focus on engaging fans with constant, fast-paced action. “The Ultimate Championship is also a chance for us to really innovate how we deliver our sport, presenting it in new formats and across different platforms designed to keep the entire venue engaged,” Ridgeon said.

With its innovative format, star-studded athlete lineup, and a prize pool designed to attract the best in the world, the World Athletics Ultimate Championship is poised to redefine how athletics is presented and consumed globally. The event promises to set a new standard for excitement and fan engagement, ushering in a new era for the sport.

Legendary sprinter Michael Johnson, the founder of the upcoming Grand Slam Track (GST) series, is confident that field events will not be sidelined despite the emergence of track-only competitions like GST and September's all-woman Athlos NY meet. Instead, Johnson envisions a future where field events flourish in their own right, buoyed by specialized leagues and platforms.

Grand Slam Track recently announced its inaugural season for 2025, with meets scheduled in Kingston, Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. As excitement builds for the all-track format, concerns have surfaced about the potential marginalization of field events like the shot put, discus, javelin, and triple jump. However, responding to a query from Sportsmax.TV, Johnson dismissed these fears, offering a compelling case for optimism.

“I think you will see quite the opposite,” Johnson said. “Ryan Crouser, the Olympic champion and world record holder in the shot put, is going to start his vision for a throws league that is specifically for the throws where the fans who actually appreciate those events and understand the great athleticism that is required for those events can actually be closer to the action. And so those events don’t fall secondary to what’s happening on the track, and I have offered my support to Ryan for that.”

Johnson, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and former 200m and 400m world record holder, pointed to Crouser’s initiative as an example of how specialized leagues can elevate field events.

“So I don’t think you will see those events continue to go away. I think it’s the exact opposite,” Johnson continued. “I think that there has been inspiration around how you now create leagues for those events as well, where you can make those events more prominent.”

Field events have experienced a resurgence in recent years, with Caribbean athletes making significant strides on the global stage. Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott and Grenada’s Anderson Peters have won Olympic and World Championship medals in the javelin. Jamaica's Roje Stona set an Olympic record to win gold in the discus, with compatriot Rajindra Campbell claiming shot put bronze. Dominica’s Thea LaFond made history by winning her country’s first Olympic medal, a gold in the triple jump, ahead of Jamaica’s Shanieka Ricketts, a two-time World Championship silver medalist.

Johnson believes specialized leagues and tailored events are key to ensuring that these athletes and their disciplines receive the recognition they deserve.

“Right now, they’re getting lost in a huge stadium where fans far away can’t actually see and appreciate the athleticism,” Johnson explained. “So I think that this [Grand Slam Track] paves the way for a brighter future for the field events.”

Grand Slam Track’s inaugural season promises to bring a fresh, dynamic format to track events, while Johnson’s endorsement of field-event-specific leagues highlights his broader vision for athletics as a sport. With initiatives like Crouser’s throws league on the horizon, Johnson’s optimism reflects a shift toward creating dedicated platforms for all disciplines to shine.

 The 2025 GST series, set to kick off with a meet in Kingston from April 4-, marks an exciting evolution for the sport. As Johnson’s vision takes shape, the future appears brighter not just for track athletes but for the field-event stars whose talents deserve a stage of their own.

Rising athletics star Jaydon Hibbert was humbled and deeply honoured to receive the first-ever Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) Olympic Spirit Award during a glittering ceremony at the Terra Nova Hotel on Saturday night.

The award, introduced to celebrate athletes who exemplify the core values of Olympism—courage, perseverance, and sportsmanship—recognizes Hibbert’s remarkable resilience and determination at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Despite battling discomfort during competition, Hibbert delivered an exceptional performance in the men’s triple jump, narrowly missing the podium by 0.03 centimeters to finish fourth. At just 19 years old, he was the youngest competitor in the field, showcasing composure and tenacity beyond his years.

The JOA’s official citation praised Hibbert’s efforts, describing him as "dauntless and with inborn patriotism," commending his ability to “give it his all” despite physical challenges. It continued:

 "The heart of a gladiator will always beat with the lifeblood of a champion, and Jaydon is of that mettle. The Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) applauds Jaydon Hibbert, a distinguished brother of our household and our first Olympic Spirit awardee."

 Hibbert, who is also a nominee for the World Athletics Rising Star Award for the second consecutive year, expressed gratitude and humility in his acceptance speech.

 "To be recognized in this way is truly humbling," he said. "The Olympic Games were a test of my spirit, and I’m proud to represent Jamaica on and off the field. This award serves as motivation for what’s to come."

 Christopher Samuda, President of the JOA, highlighted the importance of the award during his remarks at the ceremony, underscoring its role in celebrating not just athletic excellence but the qualities of perseverance and character.

 "The award not only recognizes athletic excellence but also celebrates the spirit of perseverance and sportsmanship that transcends the playing field," Samuda said. "Jaydon's inclusion underscores the JOA’s commitment to celebrating not only athletic success but also the core values of Olympism – character, courage, and unyielding grit, the true essence of the Olympic spirit."

 The ceremony also honored Jamaica’s 2024 Paris Olympic medalists, but Hibbert’s recognition stood out as a poignant reminder of the Olympic spirit that defines true champions. As the applause echoed in the room, it was clear that Jaydon Hibbert’s journey has only just begun, and his story continues to inspire.

Earlier on Saturday, Sportsmax.tv published a story based on the words of three-time Olympic medallist, Dr. Gregory Haughton, suggesting that Elaine Thompson-Herah was training with the Tumbleweed Track Club in Jacksonville, Florida under the supervision of Rana Reider.

He mentioned the potential move in a recent video, which has since been deleted, on his YouTube channel Let’s Talk-With Dr. Greg.

Now, Haughton has released a statement on his Facebook page clarifying that the five-time Olympic champion has, in fact, not been training with the club but is, instead, in Florida getting treatment for the Achilles injury that hampered her 2024 season.

“On Thursday I posted a video entitled Elaine Thompson Herah has found a new home, which in my mind was very good news. The day before I dropped the video, I received a call stating that Elaine was in Florida getting treatment and she was also a part of a particular training camp, I then made some calls to confirm the first call I got, and it was confirmed multiple times,” Haughton said in the statement.

It continued: “I even asked two of the sources how sure are you of the info and both said 90% sure which in turn I reported as such. 24 hours after dropping the video, I got a call from someone on Elaine's team, where we had a very intense conversation in the first 20-25 minutes which eventually ended up being a very enlightening conversation.

At the end of the day, I respected the fact the call was made, and I also appreciated the fact that they took the time to listen to what I had to say regarding my intentions behind it all. It must be said that the personnel from Elaine's team stated that the video was not completely accurate and adamantly refuted any claims being made about Elaine having an official new camp...

Yes, Elaine is in Florida getting treatment, yes Elaine may have associates that are associated with the camp in question, but let it be heard here as I set the record straight, Elaine has not found a new home plain and simple.”

Five-time Olympic gold medalist Elaine Thompson-Herah is reportedly gearing up to reignite her career in a new training environment.

After an Achilles injury dashed her hopes of defending her Olympic titles in Paris, the Jamaican sprint queen has officially embarked on the next chapter of her illustrious career as she eyes a remarkable return to form in the 2025 World Championship season.

According to three-time Olympic medallist, Dr. Gregory Haughton, Thompson-Herah may be preparing for the 2025 season under the tutelage of Rana Reider at the Tumbleweed Track Club in Jacksonville, Florida.

“News just reached me that Elaine Thompson-Herah is currently in Jacksonville preparing for the World Championship season,” Haughton said recently on his Let’s Talk-With Dr. Greg YouTube channel.

“This is about 90% certainty that she is training under the supervision of coach Rana Reider at the Tumbleweed Track Club,” he added.

Over the past two years, she has cycled through several trainers, including her most recent stint with coach Reynaldo Walcott, which ended less than a year after it began.

The decision to switch training camps also underscores the turbulent journey Thompson-Herah has faced since leaving the MVP Track Club, where she enjoyed her most successful years.

After struggling with injuries and inconsistent performances, her recovery journey began to show promise under coach Shanikie Osbourne, only for contractual disagreements to derail their partnership.

Despite these hurdles, the 31-year-old managed to deliver some strong performances in 2023, including a season-best time of 10.79 seconds and a third-place finish at the Diamond League season finale.

If this is indeed her next move, hopefully it leads to her re-discovering the form that put her within five hundredths of a second of being known as the fastest woman to ever walk this earth.

Grand Slam Track™, the new global home of professional track competition, launched earlier this year by four-time US Olympic Champion Michael Johnson, today announced that Drake Stadium will be the host venue for the fourth and final Slam of the 2025 season. Los Angeles was announced last June as the home Grand Slam Track™ and a host city, with the other 2025 Slams taking place in Kingston, Jamaica, Miami, and Philadelphia. Today’s announcement confirms the date and venue for the final Slam of 2025, and completes the calendar for Grand Slam Track™’s first season.

The Los Angeles Slam will be held at UCLA’s Drake Stadium on June 27th, 28th, and 29th, where the world’s fastest racers will compete. Tickets for all four Slams will go on sale on Friday, December 6th, at 1pm Eastern/10am Pacific. For more information, please visit https://grandslamtrack.com/events

The 2025 Grand Slam Track™ season calendar is now fully announced. The inaugural Slam will be the Kingston Slam, which will take place at National Stadium, in Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica, April 4–6th, 2025. The Miami Slam will take place at Ansin Sports Complex in Miramar, Florida, May 2–4th, 2025. The Philadelphia Slam will take place at Franklin Field on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania, May 30–June 1st, 2025. Today’s announcement of the Los Angeles Slam taking place at UCLA’s Drake Stadium, June 27–29th 2025, caps this season’s venue and host reveal week.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has been announced as the host city for the third Grand Slam Track™ event this season.

Four-time US Olympic Champion and Grand Slam Track founder and commissioner, Michael Johnson, made the announcement on Thursday that Philadelphia will be the fourth and final host city for its 2025 season, joining Kingston, Jamaica, Miami and Los Angeles.

The final calendar for the 2025 Grand Slam Track™ season, including the location and date for the Los Angeles Slam, will be released tomorrow.

“Philly has a reputation for bringing intensity to every event, and that’s exactly what we’re looking for with Grand Slam Track™,” said Johnson.

“There’s a unique energy in this city, and we’re excited to see how the athletes respond to that. Philadelphia’s sports culture is something else, and it’s going to elevate the competition.”

Philadelphia’s strong sports identity and devoted fan base make it an ideal location for Grand Slam Track™.

The Philadelphia Slam will be held at Franklin Field, at the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia on May 30th, 31st, and June 1st, where the world’s fastest racers will compete.

Franklin Field is also famous for being the venue for the annual Penn Relays.

The Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) has thrown its full support behind the highly anticipated Grand Slam Track series, a pioneering track and field competition created by American Olympic icon Michael Johnson. Kingston’s National Stadium will host the inaugural event from April 4-6, 2025, marking a historic occasion as Jamaica kicks off a global series that merges elite competition with cultural celebration in select cities worldwide.

In endorsing the Grand Slam Track initiative, JOA President Christopher Samuda highlighted the series’ alignment with the evolving nature of sports as both a business and a cultural experience. “The economy of sport is continually diversifying its product offerings,” Samuda said. “This move merits support, for yesterday’s novelty in sport is becoming today’s norm of business innovation in a global enterprise where changing the game has become a pre-requisite of staying in the game and winning the grand slam.”

The Grand Slam Track series promises substantial financial rewards for competitors, a prospect that appeals to both athletes and sports financiers. JOA Secretary General/CEO Ryan Foster outlined the benefits, emphasizing that Grand Slam Track supports the JOA’s vision for sustainable athletic growth. “The grand slam track will not only pay dividends for aspirations invested initially in sweat equity and maturing in bonus payments,” Foster said, “which is a qualitative strategy of the JOA, but, more importantly, the meets will provide self-actualising opportunities for athletes and value for money for fans.”

Beyond the prize money, the JOA sees Grand Slam Track as a platform for continuous, high-level competition, helping athletes prepare for the Olympics by fostering ongoing development through regular, intense matchups. “On the other side of the minted coin of sport, top-ranking athletes will be able to constantly measure performance against character as they compete continually against each other,” Foster explained, adding that it is “in conditioning themselves for the premier event, the Olympic Games,” that athletes will truly benefit from the series.

Drawing inspiration from other global sports formats like tennis and Formula One, Grand Slam Track aims to create an experience that celebrates the culture of each host city. This aspect particularly resonates with the JOA’s vision of sports as a cultural and economic driver. “The concept is allied to the advocacy of the JOA,” Samuda noted, “as we treat sporting events as experiences in physical culture, fan engagement, cuisine, music, entertainment, and tourism—all of which are drivers in creating a viable sports industry.”

The JOA’s backing of Grand Slam Track aligns with its commitment to sports innovation, a mission that led the association to launch the “Olympic Destiny” series in 2021. This JOA initiative was designed to prepare Jamaican athletes for the Tokyo Olympics amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Olympic Destiny series offered incentives for athletes and fostered historic performances, including Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s national record-setting 10.63s sprint in the 100m. That experience, Samuda pointed out, was “a first in the history of the sport,” underscoring the JOA’s commitment to driving progress and championing local talent on a global stage.

With the JOA’s endorsement, Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track is poised to deliver a unique blend of high-stakes competition and cultural celebration, solidifying Jamaica’s position as a host for world-class athletic events and creating a new chapter in track and field’s evolution.

Grand Slam Track™, the new global home of professional track competition, launched earlier this year by four-time US Olympic Champion Michael Johnson, today officially announced that Miami, Florida, will be the host city for the second of the four Slam events, when Grand Slam Track™ competition begins in 2025.

The Miami Slam will take place at Ansin Sports Complex, in Miramar, Florida, on May 2nd, 3rd, and 4th 2025, welcoming the fastest racers in the world to compete for huge prizes.

With Miami joining Los Angeles and Kingston, Jamaica, the one additional remaining location will be announced later this week.

“South Florida knows how to host big events, and that’s exactly what we’re bringing with Grand Slam Track™,” said Michael Johnson, the league’s founder and Commissioner.

“This region has a real passion for sports, and I’m confident the energy here will make it a memorable experience for both the racers and the fans. We’re building something special, and Miami is going to be a huge part of that.”

With its world-renowned sports culture, South Florida is set to provide the ideal stage for Grand Slam Track™.

Jamaica’s national 100m hurdles record holder Ackera Nugent couldn’t hide her excitement when she found out that the first ever Grand Slam Track event would take place on home soil in Jamaica.

Nugent found out for the first time during an interview with Grand Slam Track founder and four-time Olympic Gold medallist Michael Johnson published on Grand Slam Track's social media pages on Monday.

The 22-year-old Olympic and World Championship finalist is one of three Jamaican athletes, alongside Roshawn Clarke and Rushell Clayton, to sign to the inaugural season of Grand Slam Track as racers.

The first of four slam events will take place at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica, a stone’s throw away from Nugent’s alma mater, Excelsior High School.

“That’s a great feeling being on home soil,” Nugent said in the interview.

“I know I need to focus on the meet but the food, getting a free trip home, having my mom being able to see me, not only at trials but at another very big meet competing against ladies from different areas and countries, that would be really good,” added the reigning national champion.

The 2023 NCAA Indoor and Outdoor sprint hurdles champion also believes this experience will be good for fans in Jamaica who will get to see athletes that they never thought they would see compete live.

“I feel like the nation itself would really like that and they would come out and support because they’re going to be able to see athletes that really did not ever come to the country but they’re fans of,” she said.

Nugent is coming off a bittersweet 2024 season. On one hand, she experienced disappointment at the Paris Olympics in August, failing to finish the final.

On the other hand, she established a new national record of 12.24, the joint fourth-fastest time ever, at the Rome Diamond League later that month.

Roshawn Clarke, one of Jamaica’s most promising young track talents, has achieved a major milestone in his career by signing with Grand Slam Track™, fulfilling a long-held dream of working under the guidance of track legend Michael Johnson. Clarke, who set the World U20 record of 47.34 in the 400m hurdles, joins fellow Jamaicans Rushell Clayton and Ackera Nugent in the newly launched league, becoming one of 37 racers already signed for the inaugural 2025 season.

Clarke’s talent and consistent performances, including his appearance in the 400m hurdles final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, made him an attractive candidate for Grand Slam Track despite his heartbreaking stumble at the final hurdle in Paris. Founder Michael Johnson, speaking at Monday's announcement at the Jamaica Pegasus that Jamaica will host the inaugural meet from April 4-, 2025, praised Clarke, saying, “One of the things for us as a league is finding the new talent, new stars of tomorrow, and Roshawn certainly represents that. As the World U20 record holder, his excellence and what he represents are exactly what we want in our athletes. We are very excited to have Roshawn as one of our first racers.”

 For Clarke, the signing was the realization of a dream he’d held ever since the new track league was announced. “It’s an exciting feeling to be a Grand Slam Track racer,” he said. “Not many people get the opportunity to be one of the best in the world. To be able to sign as a racer… only the fastest, and I’m ranked fifth right now, it’s a great feeling.”

 When his agent, Cubie Seegobin, called with the news, Clarke was overwhelmed with joy. "I was making a lot of noise," Clarke shared, laughing. "I was right next to my mom. I literally parked my car and ran out, pure noise. I had always told my mom that I wanted Grand Slam to sign me. I was at the supermarket when I got the email, and I parked the car and ran!”

 Reflecting on his Olympic final experience, Clarke emphasized the resilience it inspired in him. “The Olympic final, I fell at the last hurdle. That experience made me realize how important it is to stay focused and bounce back. I learned how to gather myself and go again,” he said, underscoring his determination to improve as he prepares for the 2025 season.

The Grand Slam Track format will challenge Clarke in both the 400m and 400m hurdles over four weekends throughout the season, with each Slam weekend including two races. The intense schedule has Clarke and his coach adapting their training to ensure he’s prepared not only for Grand Slam events but for other key competitions throughout the year.

For Clarke, the opportunity to compete among the best while working closely with a track icon like Michael Johnson is the fulfillment of a dream and a testament to his potential on the world stage. Fans can look forward to seeing this rising Jamaican star in action when Grand Slam Track kicks off its inaugural season.

Grand Slam Track is the newest innovation in a sport that has been in desperate need for a jolt in electricity for some time.

Founded by former World record holder in both the 200m and 400m, Michael Johnson, the four-slam series will see some of the world’s best athletes competing against each other consistently, something fans of the sport of track and field have only come to expect every four years at the Olympic Games.

So far, only two of the four host cities for 2025’s inaugural season have been announced, Los Angeles and Kingston.

On Monday, it was announced that Jamaica’s National Stadium will host the first ever Grand Slam event from April 4-6 next year.

Johnson, as well as members of the Grand Slam Track team, was on hand at a press conference at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Monday to offer more insight on why Kingston has been chosen as the first city.

“We’ve all watched the incredible success of Jamaican racers and we want to shine a light on that greatness as a top destination for major sporting events,” Johnson said.

“Jamaican athletes have represented this country in an amazing way around the globe for years and it’s time to come back here and highlight the country for its excellence in the sport of track,” he added.

He went further: “Jamaica has truly earned its place as one of the pre-eminent track and field countries in the world. This country has punched far above its weight on the global stage when it comes to track so, for us, it’s only fitting that we progress on track with a new professional series that has immediately catapulted itself to the top of our sport,” he said.

“It’s only fitting that we honour that excellence in track that Jamaica has always represented and continues to represent,” Johnson added.

The four-time Olympic champion also reminisced on his first time competing in Jamaica, joking with the crowd that it might show his age.

“I ran at the National Stadium back in 1989 and 1990 at the Mutual Life Games. That was the first time I ever left the USA. I came here to compete and I’ve been inspired ever since as the sprint capital of the world,” Johnson said.

The other two host cities will be announced later this week.

World Under-20 triple jump record holder Jaydon Hibbert was named by World Athletics on Monday as one of three finalists for the 2024 Men’s Rising Star Award.

In 2024, Hibbert was the World U-20 leader in the event with his 17.75m done at the Racers Grand prix on June 1 at the National Stadium in Kingston.

At the Paris Olympics in August, the 19-year-old narrowly missed out on a medal, jumping 17.61m to finish fourth by .03 centimeters.

The other two finalists are Italian World Under-20 long jump record holder Mattia Furlani, who also took home World Indoor silver and Olympic bronze, and the Netherlands’ Niels Laros who broke the World U-20 1000m record and finished sixth at the Paris Olympics in the 1500m.

The winner of the award will be announced on December 1.

Kingston, Jamaica, a city with a storied history in track and field, has been chosen to host the inaugural Grand Slam Track™ event in 2025. Announced by the league’s founder and Commissioner, four-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson, Kingston joins Los Angeles as the second host city for the new league’s debut season, with two additional cities to be revealed soon. The Kingston Slam is set to take place at the National Stadium at Independence Park from April 4-6, 2025.

 “We are thrilled to be bringing Grand Slam Track™ to Kingston,” Johnson said. “Jamaica has such a strong history in this sport. The talent and the love for track here make it a perfect fit for what we’re building. It’s going to be an incredible event, and we’re proud to have Kingston as one of our four Slams in our inaugural season to kick this whole thing off.”

 The selection of Kingston as a host city highlights Jamaica’s central role in global track and field. Hon. Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment & Sports, expressed her excitement about the announcement, calling it “a chance for us to be part of something huge, bringing top athletes to our track and helping the sport grow in a new and exciting way.” Garth Gayle, President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), emphasized the significance of the event, saying it is “a testament to our past and present athletes, whose achievements and legacy have established Jamaica as the track capital of the world.”

 The event will bring together some of the biggest names in track and field, including Jamaican talents like Ackera Nugent and Rushell Clayton, as well as global stars such as U.S. 400m champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, sprinters Fred Kerley and Kenny Bednarek, hurdler Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, and British middle-distance runner Josh Kerr. Fans in Kingston will also have the chance to watch rising stars like Quincy Hall, Masai Russell, and middle-distance sensation Yared Nuguse. This impressive roster of Racers, who will compete across four Slam events, was selected based on a combination of skill and the potential to deliver head-to-head matchups that promise excitement and drama.

 Athletes in the Grand Slam Track™ roster will race in two events per Slam, competing in categories from sprints and hurdles to middle-distance and long-distance events. The league has placed an emphasis on direct competition, with no pacers or pacing lights, ensuring that every race is a true contest. Racers will wear their own customized kits, allowing athletes and their sponsors creative freedom in how they present themselves on the track.

 Tickets for the Kingston Slam will go on sale on Friday, December 6, at 10 a.m. local time in Jamaica. For more information on Grand Slam Track™ events and athlete lineups, fans can visit grandslamtrack.com.