Grand Slam Track Competition Shines on Day 2

The second day of the Grand Slam Track Competition held at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica, on April 5, 2025, showcased thrilling performances by top athletes. With $100,000 at stake for winners, competitors pushed their limits across various events.

Gabby Thomas Shines in Long Sprint Events

Gabby Thomas, the three-time Olympic champion, demonstrated her versatility in the Long Sprint category, competing in both the 200 meters and 400 meters. In the 200 meter event, Thomas topped the field with an impressive time of 22.62 seconds, claiming 12 points. Notable competitors included Marileidy Paulino and Dina Asher-Smith, who finished behind her.

The highly anticipated 400 meters saw Thomas return to the track, where she faced fierce competition from the likes of Salwa Eid Naser, who had previously set a remarkable record. Naser led the race early and finished first with a time of 48.67 seconds, while Thomas secured second place with a personal best of 49.14 seconds. Despite her initial struggle, the points earned from both events solidified Thomas’s position as the champion of the Long Sprint category.

Kenny Bednarek Dominates the Short Sprint

Kenny Bednarek, a two-time Olympic silver medalist, proved his status as a formidable sprinter. He earned 12 points in the 100 meter dash with a time of 10.07 seconds, narrowly missing out on first place.

Later, in the 200 meter dash, Bednarek emerged victorious, clocking in at 20.07 seconds. This win marked him as the only athlete to claim victory in both short sprint events over the weekend, and he walked away with a total of 24 points.

Tia Jones Makes Waves in the Short Hurdles

In a surprising turn, Tia Jones joined the short hurdles competition following the absence of another racer. Despite not being initially expected to compete, Jones showcased her talent by finishing strong in the 100-meter hurdles, clocking in at 12.63 seconds. This performance solidified her as a key athlete to watch, especially with her previous accolades, including a world record tie in 2024.

Emmanuel Wanyonyi’s Stellar Strategy in the 1500 Meters

Kenyan athlete Emmanuel Wanyonyi demonstrated exceptional racing acumen in the 1500 meters, defeating prominent competitors such as Jared Nuguse and Josh Kerr. Wanyonyi finished first with a personal best time of 3:35.18, showcasing his impressive tactical abilities throughout the race.

Results Summary: New Slam Champions Crowned

The Grand Slam Track Competition awarded two new slam titles to athletes Diribe Welteji and Matthew Hudson-Smith. Welteji claimed his title in the short distance events after a remarkable performance in both the 800 and 1500 meters, finishing with 20 points. Hudson-Smith emerged as the champion in the long sprint category, displaying consistent performance across both of his events.

The competition will conclude tomorrow, as the final events unfold to determine the remaining champions in various categories.