The highly anticipated debut of the Grand Slam Track series kicked off in electrifying fashion on Friday, May 4, as Kingston, Jamaica played host to some of the world’s top athletic talent. Organized by four-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson, the inaugural meet brought an Olympic-caliber atmosphere to the Jamaican capital — complete with elite performances, thrilling finishes, and a packed crowd eager to witness the future of professional track and field.
Headlining the event was none other than Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the reigning world and Olympic champion in the 400m hurdles. Opening her 2025 season with style and poise, McLaughlin-Levrone surged to victory in 52.76 seconds, clocking the fastest time in the world this year. Her flawless rhythm and relaxed stride made the win look almost effortless, leaving former world record-holder and Olympic gold medalist Dalilah Muhammad a distant second in 54.59.
“There wasn’t much of a plan today,” McLaughlin-Levrone said post-race. “Just trying to be as technical as possible and see where each stride pattern took me.” Her calm approach and world-class execution reaffirmed her dominance in the event while setting the tone for the rest of the Grand Slam Track series.
In the men’s 400m hurdles, Brazilian star and Olympic bronze medalist Alison dos Santos delivered a powerful performance of his own. Running with smooth aggression, he dominated the field to post a world-leading time of 47.61 seconds, sending a clear message that he’s ready to compete for gold once again this season.
The men’s 400m flat event brought another standout moment. Fresh off his indoor world title, Christopher Bailey ran from lane seven and held off a strong challenge from Matthew Hudson-Smith, the European record-holder and Olympic silver medalist. Bailey crossed the line in a personal best and world-leading 44.34, with Hudson-Smith clocking 44.65 and Vernon Norwood following closely at 44.70.
Meanwhile, the women’s 800m produced a heart-pounding sprint to the line. American middle-distance runner Nikki Hiltz edged Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji in a thrilling battle, posting 1:58.23 to Welteji’s 1:58.29. Australia’s Jessica Hull also impressed with a personal best of 1:58.58, as six women in total dipped under the coveted two-minute barrier.
The women’s 200m was won convincingly by Gabby Thomas, who powered to a 22.62 victory. World and Olympic 400m champion Marileidy Paulino surged late to secure second in 22.93, a season’s best. “This is my first time competing in Jamaica,” said Thomas. “I had 10 family members here to watch me, and I wanted to be the first Grand Slam Track winner. I probably wanted it more than anyone.”
In the evening’s final event, Kenny Bednarek closed out the meet with a gritty win in the men’s 100m, stopping the clock at 10.07. Battling a headwind of -1.3m/s, Bednarek edged out hometown favorite Oblique Seville (10.08). “People don’t see me as a 100m guy,” Bednarek noted. “But today I proved I can win here too. I stumbled early, but recovered well, and I love this track.”
In the distance events, Ejgayehu Taye of Ethiopia set a new benchmark in the Caribbean, winning the women’s 3000m in 8:28.42, the fastest time ever recorded in the region. On the men’s side, Grant Fisher led an American sweep in the 5000m, clocking 14:39.14 ahead of teammates Cooper Teare (14:39.31) and Dylan Jacobs (14:39.56).
With stunning performances, record-setting times, and high-stakes drama, the Kingston opener of the Grand Slam Track series delivered on every front. As the circuit rolls on, fans around the world will be watching closely — because if this opening act was any indication, track and field has entered a bold new era.