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Sparse Attendance Overshadows Star Performances at Grand Slam Track's Kingston Debut

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Gabby Thomas secure victories as Michael Johnson's ambitious track series faces challenges in audience engagement.

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

Overview

  • Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone won the women's 400m hurdles in 52.76 seconds, while Gabby Thomas triumphed in the women's 200m with a time of 22.62 seconds.
  • Despite showcasing elite athletes and a $12.6 million prize pool, the event struggled to draw crowds at Kingston's National Stadium, known for Jamaica's strong track culture.
  • The Grand Slam Track series introduces a new event categorization system and high financial incentives, aiming to revitalize interest in track and field outside the Olympic cycle.
  • Athletes noted the heightened competition due to significant prize money, with $100,000 awarded to individual event winners at each meet.
  • The series will continue with events in Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles through June 2025, as organizers work to address low attendance and refine the format.