Sprint legend Michael Johnson has recently made headlines, declaring he has the potential to “rescue” the sport of track and field. This ambitious undertaking begins on Friday when the Grand Slam Track event arrives in Kingston, Jamaica, marking the inaugural meet of a four-part series airing on TNT Sports and discovery+. An array of elite athletes has been invited to participate, setting the stage for what is confidently being dubbed the hottest ticket in athletics. Each competitor will race twice at every meet, creating an exciting and dynamic environment for both athletes and spectators.
The format of the competitions is designed to pivot away from the previous focus on pacing lights and time constraints. Instead, this series emphasizes the prime objective of head-to-head rivalries. This shift allows for fierce battles on the track, where victory takes precedence over merely clocking impressive times. While this may sound straightforward, the nature of the competition introduces complexities and challenges for the participants.
The Grand Slam Track meets feature an intriguing variety of race categories including short sprints (100m and 200m), short hurdles (100m hurdles for women and 110m hurdles for men), long sprints (200m and 400m), 400m hurdles, and distances ranging from 800m to 5,000m. Among the rivalries brewing for the Kingston series opener, four stand out as particularly compelling.
Firstly, the matchup between Gabby Thomas and Dina Asher-Smith in the Women’s Long Sprints could be a highlight. Thomas, hailed for her remarkable versatility, shone at the Paris Olympics, securing gold medals in the 200m, 4x100m relay, and 4x400m relay, despite having never claimed an individual title before. Meanwhile, Asher-Smith, Britain’s pioneering women’s sprint world champion in the 200m, is now positioned as the challenger in a fiercely competitive realm now dominated by Thomas and Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson. Although she finished fourth in Paris, Asher-Smith’s determination remains strong as she aims to improve her 400m personal best significantly to compete effectively against Thomas.
Another captivating rivalry to monitor is between Britain’s Josh Kerr and American Cole Hocker in the Men’s Short Distance category. With Ingebrigtsen opting out of the Grand Slam Track, Kerr finds himself focusing on a growing rivalry with Hocker, who dramatically edged him out to win gold in a thrilling sprint finish in Paris. With both men competing in the 800m and 1,500m races, the anticipation builds around whether Kerr can reclaim his standing and achieve his Olympic aspirations.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s anticipated races in the Women’s Long Hurdles present yet another compelling storyline in Kingston. Having shattered the world record in the 400m hurdles, she now faces the challenge of whether she can break the elusive 50-second mark—a feat that few have achieved. Moreover, McLaughlin-Levrone intends to also compete in the 400m flat for all four Grand Slam meets, hinting at her versatility and potential to also challenge historical records in that event.
Lastly, the competitive landscape of Men’s Short Sprints promises to ignite excitement among fans, particularly with the showdown between U.S. sprinters Fred Kerley and Kenny Bednarek against Jamaica’s Oblique Seville and Ackeem Blake. Although Noah Lyles is missing from this particular lineup, the intense atmosphere in Kingston and the anticipation for high-stakes outcomes ensure this event will captivate viewers.
As for the logistical details, the Grand Slam Track meets are scheduled to take place from April 4-6 in Kingston, with further events on May 2-4, May 30-June 1, and June 27-29. Fans in the UK can catch all the action live through TNT Sports and discovery+, with multiple viewing options available across various TV and streaming platforms.
In summary, Michael Johnson’s initiative to reinvigorate track and field through the Grand Slam Track series certainly offers unprecedented excitement, providing athletes with a platform to showcase their athleticism and rivalries while renewing interest in the sport. As the first meet draws near, all eyes will be on Kingston as champions and challengers alike vie for glory, setting the tone for an electrifying season ahead.