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Grand Slam Track Series Debuts with Star Performances but Sparse Attendance

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Gabby Thomas delivered commanding wins in Kingston, as the new athletics league launched with high stakes and a $12.6 million prize pool.

Athletics - Diamond League - Brussels - King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, Belgium - September 13, 2024 Britain's Matthew Hudson-Smith looks on ahead of the men's 400m final REUTERS/Johanna Geron
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Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas was among the winners in the opening races of the new Grand Slam Track circuit in Kingston
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Overview

  • Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone won the 400m hurdles in 52.76 seconds, marking her first race since the 2024 Olympics and setting her up for a potential $100,000 prize for combined event performance.
  • Gabby Thomas claimed victory in the 200m with a time of 22.62 seconds and plans to compete in the 400m later in the series' inaugural event.
  • Kenny Bednarek narrowly edged out Jamaica's Oblique Seville to win the men's 100m in 10.07 seconds, while Alison Dos Santos set a world-leading time of 47.61 seconds in the men's 400m hurdles.
  • The Grand Slam Track series, spearheaded by Michael Johnson, aims to revolutionize track and field with a Formula One-inspired structure and significant financial incentives for athletes.
  • Despite strong performances and high-profile athletes, the Kingston event struggled with low attendance, raising concerns about the series' ability to draw live spectators.