Briton Matthew Hudson-Smith made history by becoming the first-ever Grand Slam champion in the men’s long sprints group during the inaugural Grand Slam Track meet held in Kingston, Jamaica. After finishing second in the 400 meters on the first day of competition, Hudson-Smith claimed victory in the 200 meters on the second day with an impressive time of 20.77 seconds, resulting in a total of 20 points and an overall win in his group.
“I’m really excited and grateful to get the first one,” said Hudson-Smith, who leaves the meet with a substantial cash prize of $100,000. The 30-year-old athlete, who earned a silver medal in the 400m at the Paris Olympics, reflected on his career, stating, “I’m getting to the end of my career so it’s time to start saving.”
American athlete Kenny Bednarek, a seasoned champion, dominated the men’s short sprints with a remarkable performance, winning both the 100 meters and 200 meters for a total of 24 points. Bednarek crossed the finish line of the 200 meters in 20.07 seconds, ahead of Briton Zharnel Hughes.
The new athletic circuit aims to transform racing into a premier sport, likened to “the Formula One of athlete racing.” It features competitions across twelve groups for both men and women, encompassing various sprint and distance events. Notable participants include 200m Olympic champion Gabby Thomas and 400m hurdles world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who both excelled on the opening day.
Despite stellar competitions, attendance at Kingston’s National Stadium posed challenges, as many seats remained empty during the event, eliciting criticism. However, the performances of athletes like Thomas and Hudson-Smith highlighted the excitement and potential of the Grand Slam Track circuit.
In the women’s longer sprints, Gabby Thomas emerged as the slam champion, despite a fierce challenge from Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser. Thomas’s perseverance was evident as she narrowly secured second place in a tightly contested 400 meters.
Throughout the meet, athletes exhibited extraordinary performances, with Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji winning the women’s 1,500 meters, marking a promising outlook for the sport’s future. Additionally, the meet’s substantial prizes continue to attract top talent, signifying a hopeful and exciting era for competitive athletics. As the Grand Slam Track meet concludes, it symbolizes a vibrant future for track and field as it continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
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