Unexpected! The Grand Slam Track Series, which was initially thought to kick off in the U.S., has just revealed that its first event will take place in 2025. Created by four-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson, this series is set to shake up the track and field world. It will feature four two-day events where top racers and invited challengers go head-to-head. Athletes have the opportunity to potentially earn extra cash depending on how they perform in their sports endeavors.

The inaugural Grand Slam will take place from April 4-6, 2025, in Kingston, Jamaica, at the National Stadium in Independence Park. Each Slam will feature 96 athletes—48 racers and 48 challengers—giving fans the chance to watch top talent from around the world compete in this thrilling new format. However, Kingston joins Los Angeles as one of the confirmed host cities for the series, adding an exciting international flavor to the competition. With all eyes on the track, this event is shaping up to be a must-watch in the world of athletics.

“We are thrilled to be bringing Grand Slam Track to Kingston,” said Michael Johnson, the league’s founder and commissioner. “Jamaica has such a strong history in this sport.” Tickets for the Kingston Slam will be available for purchase starting on Friday, the 6th of December. Garth Gayle, the President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), expressed his pride, noting that hosting this event is a pride of Jamaica’s legacy in the sport. But how is this event different from the rest?

Overview of the Grand Slam Track Competition

The Grand Slam Track is set to be an exciting competition with a $12.6 million prize pool, and category winners will earn $100,000. So far, 32 athletes have signed up, including top stars like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Fred Kerley, Melissa Jefferson, Masai Russell, and Yared Nuguse, as well as distance specialists like Josh Kerr and Grant Fisher. These athletes, better called “Racers,” will compete in all four Slams during the season and receive an annual base salary for their participation in addition to the prize money.

What sets the Grand Slam Track apart is the unique compensation model. Just like professional athletes, GST Racers are paid a salary to compete in all four Slams and promote the league, with the added bonus of being eligible for the full prize pool. GST Challengers, on the other hand, are paid a set fee for each race appearance but can also win prize money. “It’s different from current track and field but very similar to thriving professional sports where there is a league, and that is what Grand Slam Track is,” says Michael Johnson. “We are a league of athletes, the best of the best.”

Johnson emphasizes the exclusivity of the competition, stating, “The best in the world. A very exclusive group of the best, fastest, and most popular athletes in the world.” This league is set to take track and field to new heights, offering athletes a professional platform alongside substantial rewards and recognition. With top athletes competing for not only glory but also a solid paycheck, Grand Slam Track is sure to capture the attention of fans worldwide.