Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone once again reminded the athletics world why she is one of the sport’s biggest superstars. The 25-year-old American, already a double Olympic champion and world record holder in the 400m hurdles, capped off a remarkable weekend by winning the 400m flat to secure the inaugural Grand Slam Track long hurdles title in Kingston, Jamaica.
Her victory not only added another prestigious accomplishment to her ever-growing resume but also earned her the $100,000 (£77,610) top prize — a reward that highlights the lucrative nature of this brand-new track and field format.
A Perfect Sweep in Jamaica
The Kingston meet, which marked the conclusion of the first-ever Grand Slam Track competition, was designed to showcase the world’s fastest athletes in a fresh and engaging way. Athletes competed in two related events across three days, and the combined results determined the champion in each category.
For McLaughlin-Levrone, that meant racing in both the 400m hurdles and the 400m flat. On Friday, she powered to victory in her signature event, the hurdles, where she holds the world record and has long been considered virtually untouchable. Two days later, she returned to the track to take on the 400m flat — a test of both her raw speed and endurance. Once again, she delivered, cruising past the field to complete the sweep and secure her category crown.
It was yet another demonstration of her dominance and versatility. While many athletes specialize in just one discipline, McLaughlin-Levrone has consistently proven she can excel across multiple formats. Her win in Kingston further cements her reputation as one of the most complete athletes track and field has ever seen.
Michael Johnson’s Vision Comes to Life
The Grand Slam Track format itself is the brainchild of Michael Johnson, the legendary former U.S. sprinter and four-time Olympic gold medalist. Johnson has been outspoken in his belief that track and field needs innovation to capture more fans worldwide. His vision with Grand Slam Track was to create a series that combines elite competition, simplicity for spectators, and substantial prize money to elevate the sport’s profile.
The setup is straightforward: athletes compete in two related events within their category. The combined results determine who takes home the title and the six-figure prize. The categories are broad enough to group athletes by discipline, yet distinct enough to showcase different skill sets. They include:
- Short sprints (100m and 200m)
- Short hurdles (100m hurdles for women, 110m hurdles for men, plus 100m for both)
- Long sprints (200m and 400m)
- Long hurdles (400m hurdles and 400m flat)
- Short distance (800m and 1500m)
- Long distance (3,000m and 5,000m)
The inclusion of a flat race in both hurdles categories is particularly notable, as it allows hurdlers to demonstrate their pure sprinting ability as well.
Big Names, Big Performances
McLaughlin-Levrone was far from the only star to shine in Kingston. A number of other athletes also left their mark, underlining the international flavor and competitiveness of the event.
- Melissa Jefferson-Wooden of the United States mirrored McLaughlin-Levrone’s dominance by sweeping the women’s short sprints. Her victories in both the 100m and 200m showcased the depth of American sprinting talent and set the stage for what could be an electrifying season ahead.
- In the men’s long hurdles category, Brazil’s Alison dos Santos secured victory by winning the 400m. Known for his resilience and fluid hurdling style, dos Santos showed why he remains one of the premier one-lap hurdlers in the world.
- France’s Sasha Zhoya, a rising star in sprint hurdles, captured the men’s short hurdles crown. Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Danielle Williams brought the home crowd to its feet by claiming the women’s short hurdles title.
- The short distance category was one of the most hotly contested of the weekend. Kenya’s Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi ultimately prevailed, thanks to his consistency across both races. Though he finished second in Sunday’s 800m to Canada’s Marco Arop, Wanyonyi’s victory in the 1500m on Saturday was enough to secure the overall crown.
- Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith also impressed, taking the men’s long sprints title. After finishing second in Friday’s 400m, he bounced back with a decisive win in the 200m the following day, showing his range and resilience.
What This Means for the Future of Athletics
The successful conclusion of the first Grand Slam Track event signals an exciting new era for athletics. With lucrative prizes, a fan-friendly format, and global star power, the competition has the potential to transform how track and field is consumed.
For athletes, the opportunity to earn significant prize money outside of major championships is a game-changer. It provides both financial incentives and a platform to showcase their talents on a stage designed specifically for entertainment value.
For fans, the clarity of the format is refreshing. Instead of long, drawn-out meets with dozens of events, Grand Slam Track narrows the focus to a handful of categories, each with a clear champion at the end of three days. It creates storylines, rivalries, and drama — all of which are crucial for attracting new audiences.
What’s Next?
The excitement won’t stop in Kingston. The next Grand Slam Track event is already set for Miami from May 2-4, promising another star-studded lineup and even more intrigue. If the inaugural meeting is any indication, fans can expect fierce competition, unpredictable outcomes, and plenty of unforgettable moments.
For now, though, the spotlight belongs to Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. With another title, another big payday, and yet another reminder of her extraordinary talent, she stands tall not only as the queen of the long hurdles but also as a symbol of what Grand Slam Track hopes to represent — the very best of athletics, delivered in a bold new way.