The inaugural Grand Slam Track event launched with a spectacular show in Kingston, Jamaica, where Olympic champion Gabby Thomas triumphed in the women’s 200m.
Thomas, a three-time gold medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, crossed the finish line in an impressive 22.62 seconds, signalling a strong start to her season.
Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic, renowned for her 400m gold at the Paris Games, secured second place, with Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith claiming third.
Thomas expressed excitement for the high stakes and competitive field, noting the rarity of such intensity in early-season meets.
The Grand Slam Track, a concept envisioned by four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson, seeks to bring year-round excitement and engagement to athletics.
The series will host three more events in the United States between May and June, offering athletes a platform to compete in high-stakes conditions.
Notably, American Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone continued her dominance in the 400m hurdles, clocking a comfortable win at 52.76 seconds.
The world record holder aims for the coveted $100,000 prize for the best-combined results across the 400m and hurdles events.
Elsewhere, Kenny Bednarerk edged out Jamaica’s Oblique Seville in the men’s 100m, while Chris Bailey narrowly defeated Britain’s Matt Hudson-Smith in the 400m, maintaining his stellar form in 2025.
