The Grand Slam Track incentivized the track like nothing before. But far beyond the hefty monetary rewards lies the pursuit of greatness. The real ones didn’t let their GST defeats bog them down. A veteran hurdler, who, among other mighty achievements, had famously outrun Sydney McLaughlin Levrone at the World Athletics Championships in Doha in 2019, couldn’t secure the $100,000 at the Grand Slam Track event in Kingston. But this Olympic champion redeemed herself. On Saturday, she didn’t just show up at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix; she dominated the 400m hurdles with a commanding win. Why was her win so important?

Well, the 400m hurdles event has long been dominated by New Jersey native, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. At the Grand Slam Track, the Olympic champion also jumped to victory with a mind-boggling 52.76. Finishing right after her was Dalilah Muhammad, at 54.59. But this was not the end for the Rio Olympic champion. With her win at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix, she proved she is still at the top of her game. Her time? A significant improvement from her performance at Michael Johnson’s league. Moreover, she went so far as to dip under the 54-second mark!

NBC Sports Director Travis Miller captured it perfectly on X, “Dalilah Muhammad cruising to a 53.81, her fastest 400mH race since July 2023 at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix.” That “cruise” was more than just clean hurdling. It was vintage Dalilah. After settling for silver behind Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone in Kingston, the veteran was determined to remind everyone that the hurdles are still her kingdom. And she definitely delivered.

Since her early success in hurdling, the United States athlete maintained dominant leadership throughout the entire race, starting from the first horn. She made a decisive move on the last turn and then powered past American Cassandra Tate, who clocked 55.59, while South Africa’s Zeney Geldenhuys crossed behind with a time of 56.10. It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. Her 53.81 standard race strategy demonstrated complete control, which resulted in victory. The fast, early start at this meet indicates a strategic timing of Dalilah’s career development.

Botswana’s track gave her a better runway to execute, and she took full advantage. Now, with the international calendar heating up, Muhammad’s rhythm, experience, and renewed fire could make her one of the most dangerous names in the Olympic buildup.

Dalilah Muhammad talks legacy with powerful words

Dalilah Muhammad once ruled the Olympic track. At the Tokyo Games, she surged ahead 36 seconds in right at the third curve and never looked back. Her finishing time? 53.13 seconds, gold medal around her neck, green strap brushing her chest, and her name etched in history as the first American woman to ever win Olympic gold in the 400m hurdles. But now, the mood around Dalilah feels different. Not because her fire’s faded but because she might’ve just hinted when that Olympic flame could be extinguished for good.

During a powerful press moment at the Grand Slam Track event, Dalilah sat alongside rivals Russell Clayton and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone as the host ran through her glittering resume. World records, titles, and trailblazing victories. When asked if she was proud of her journey, Dalilah didn’t miss a beat. “Yeah, absolutely. I think I always had that little something that I wanted to keep going and push those boundaries and push forward.” And even though she finished second in Kingston’s 400m flat behind, she wasn’t fazed. Instead, she summed up the moment with poise, “It felt like the new age of track and field.”

And she wasn’t just talking vibes. GST’s debut meet is bringing a shift that Dalilah is embracing head-on. It’s not just about medals anymore; it’s about momentum. With athletes now running twice per meet and chasing season-long points across four marquee events, the stage is bigger, bolder, and built for legends to make one last run or pass the baton. And with her stunning 53.81 at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix, Dalilah made it clear, the queen is still carving a legacy. With every lap, every hurdle, and every word.