Olympic champion Gabby Thomas made an impressive start to the inaugural Grand Slam Track event in Kingston, Jamaica, clinching victory in the 200m with a time of 22.62 seconds.
The American sprinter, who earned three gold medals at last year’s Paris Olympics, set the pace from the beginning, holding off a strong challenge from Dominican Republic’s Marileidy Paulino, the 400m gold medalist from the Paris Games, who finished second. Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith rounded out the top three.
Reflecting on her performance, Thomas said, “Normally, these early-season meets are about practising and getting a feel for things. But here, the stakes are high, the prize pot is huge, and the competition is fierce. That’s not something we’re used to, and I think it’s great for the sport.”
The Grand Slam Track event is a new concept created by four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson, aimed at maintaining the excitement and focus that typically surrounds athletics every four years during the Olympics. Following the opening event in Jamaica, three more “Slams” are scheduled to take place in the United States between May and June.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Claims Victory in 400m Hurdles
Thomas wasn’t the only American athlete to shine, as Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone also claimed victory in the 400m hurdles. The world record holder in the event, McLaughlin-Levrone crossed the finish line in 52.76 seconds, positioning herself in pole position for the $100,000 prize, which will be awarded to the athlete with the best combined result from the 400m hurdles and 400m events.
“Just shaking the cobwebs off,” McLaughlin-Levrone said after the race. “Obviously, the first one always hurts, but I’m happy to be here. It’s a great experience.”
Kenny Bednarerk Tops 100m as Chris Bailey Continues Impressive Form
In the men’s 100m, American sprinter Kenny Bednarerk clocked 10.07 seconds to secure the win, narrowly edging out Jamaica’s Oblique Seville, who took second. Britain’s Zharnel Hughes finished in third place.
Newly crowned world indoor 400m champion Chris Bailey also continued his strong performance this year, managing to edge out Britain’s Matt Hudson-Smith in the 400m.
With the Grand Slam Track event now in full swing, athletes like Thomas and McLaughlin-Levrone are setting high standards as they aim to secure top spots in the upcoming events across the United States.
