With Grand Slam Track about to kick off, the drama is already heating up. Every day brings fresh controversies, last-minute surprises, and athletes ready to silence their critics. And right at the center of it? Quincy Wilson’s mentor, Vernon Norwood. He’s never been one to shy away from calling things out, and when he got snubbed from the league as a Racer, he made sure everyone knew how he felt. But now? Vernon Norwood is done talking and heading to Kingston with a point to prove, a race to win—and maybe even a few receipts to cash in.

Quincy Wilson has been rewriting the record books, but his path hasn’t been without scrutiny. The 16-year-old phenom recently shattered high school records, yet his decision to race extensively rather than conserve energy for bigger events sparked concern. Vernon Norwood, a veteran of the sport, openly questioned whether Wilson’s approach was sustainable, even joking that the young star’s choices “gave him a heart attack.”

While Wilson continues to silence doubters on the track, Norwood is now shifting the spotlight back to himself. With Grand Slam Track fast approaching, the experienced sprinter is out to prove that while young talents rise, he’s still a force to be reckoned with. Now, Citius Mag has posted something that has stirred up the heat. And the caption says it all. It reads, “Vernon Norwood was very vocal (and nearly lost Kyle Merber as a friend) about his snub from getting signed to the league as a Racer but earned his spot in Kingston as a Challenger.” 

Vernon Norwood isn’t just another name in track and field—he’s a decorated champion with a résumé that speaks for itself. We’re talking 2x Olympic gold medalist, 4x world champion, Olympic silver medalist, and a world indoor champion. And if that’s not enough, his versatility is off the charts. From blazing through the 200m in 20.47 to crushing the 400m in 44.10 and even dominating relays across multiple distances, Norwood has done it all.

But here’s where things get interesting. Just last weekend in Baton Rouge, he wasn’t even pushing full throttle—yet he clocked a 20.38 at LSU, his fastest wind-legal 200m since 2021. And now? He’s packing his bags for Kingston, ready to shake things up and maybe even steal some prize money from the Racers. But who else will give him competition?

Grand Slam Track debuts with Vernon Norwood and other athletes in men’s long sprints

The Grand Slam Track (GST) is finally here, and Kingston is about to witness a sprint showdown like never before! From April 4–6, 2025, the best of the best in men’s long sprints will hit the track—some as Racers, others as Challengers—but all with one goal: proving they belong at the top. It looks like this event is set to be anything but ordinary.

Leading the Racers is Quincy Hall, a beast in the 400m who knows how to deliver when it counts. Then there’s Muzala Samukonga, Zambia’s rising star who has been turning heads on the global stage. Matthew Hudson-Smith, the UK’s steady sprint force, and Jereem Richards, the Trinidadian speedster with versatility to burn, round out this powerhouse lineup. These guys aren’t just here to run; they’re here to dominate.

But don’t count out the Challengers just yet—especially Vernon Norwood. If you’ve been following the Grand Slam Track buzz, you know he was snubbed from a Racer spot and made sure everyone knew about it. Now, he’s here as a Challenger, locked in and ready to prove his doubters wrong. Alongside him are Chris Bailey, a guy who knows how to finish strong; Deandre Watkin, a young talent making big moves; and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi, who has been quietly climbing the ranks.

With this kind of talent on the track, missing out isn’t an option. Peacock will stream the Friday events live from 6:00 to 9:00 pm EDT, while The CW takes over for the weekend action. And Eurosport and TNT Sports have got you covered for those watching internationally. So buckle up—Grand Slam Track is about to shake up the track and field world in a big way!

As the inaugural GST event unfolds, all eyes will be on Kingston’s National Stadium. And fans won’t have to miss a second of the action. Peacock will stream Friday’s events live from 6:00–9:00 pm EDT, while The CW takes over for Saturday and Sunday. International viewers can catch the action on Eurosport and TNT Sports. With a mix of proven champions and hungry underdogs, GST’s debut is shaping up to be a must-watch.