Kingston, Jamaica — The inaugural Grand Slam Observe (GST) sequence, a worldwide skilled observe and area circuit with a prize fund of $12.5 million, was formally launched on Monday, November 11, on the Jamaica Pegasus Lodge in Kingston.
The sequence, spearheaded by four-time Olympic gold medalist and former world file holder Michael Johnson, will start at Jamaica’s Nationwide Stadium from April 4-6, 2025, earlier than persevering with to a few different areas, together with Los Angeles.
Through the launch, Johnson underscored the selection of Jamaica as the perfect place to begin for the sequence, given the island’s distinctive observe and area legacy. “Jamaica has at all times punched far above its weight on the worldwide stage,” Johnson famous. “It’s solely becoming that the first-ever Grand Slam Observe sequence honors that excellence. We couldn’t be extra excited to be right here, in Kingston, to launch this journey.”
Johnson’s personal historical past with Jamaica
Johnson’s personal historical past with Jamaica, the place he first competed exterior the U.S. in 1989 on the Mutual Life Video games, added a private layer to his choice. “That have left an indelible mark on my life and profession,” he mentioned. “This sequence is a chance to offer again to a neighborhood that impressed me deeply as a younger athlete and to raise the game for brand spanking new generations of followers.”
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The GST sequence is poised to remodel skilled observe and area, that includes 96 elite athletes who will compete throughout six classes, together with sprints, hurdles, and distance occasions. Of those opponents, 48 “GST Racers” will take part in all 4 legs of the sequence, whereas the remaining 48 “GST Challengers” will be part of choose occasions. A number of distinguished athletes, together with Olympic champions Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Fred Kerley, and Jamaica’s personal Rushell Clayton, Roshawn Clarke, and Ackera Nugent, have already signed on.
In his remarks, Jamaica Athletics Administrative Affiliation (JAAA) Vice-President Ian Forbes described the GST as a “visionary idea” that might energize the game with recent attraction. “Challenge Grand Slam epitomizes creativity, innovation, and forward-thinking,” Forbes mentioned. “Observe and area has advanced quickly over the previous 20 years, and this sequence solutions the decision for a contemporary, thrilling method that engages followers in new and thrilling methods.”
A major financial alternative
The GST sequence additionally represents a big financial alternative for Jamaica, aligning with the federal government’s purpose to raise the island as a sports activities tourism hub. Sports activities Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange highlighted this influence. “The Grand Slam Observe sequence is a pure extension of our dedication to creating Jamaica a chief vacation spot for sports activities,” Grange acknowledged. “Having one of many sequence stops here’s a testomony to Jamaica’s prominence in observe and area, and it’s an opportunity to share our love of the game with the world.”
The Grand Slam Observe sequence will function essentially the most profitable prizes in observe and area historical past, with particular person occasion winners taking house $100,000 right down to $10,000 for eighth place. “This sequence isn’t simply concerning the competitors,” Johnson added. “It’s about constructing a legacy that may resonate with followers throughout the globe. We’re creating an expertise the place followers get to see the perfect athletes compete extra typically, head-to-head, in a format that’s as thrilling to look at as it’s rewarding for the athletes.”
Minister Grange concluded by underscoring the sequence’ significance to Jamaica’s worldwide popularity. “This occasion enhances our authorities’s sports activities growth belief, which goals to showcase Jamaica as the last word nation to compete, watch, and speak about sport,” she mentioned.
The sequence will proceed with extra meets, together with a confirmed cease in Los Angeles, whereas the areas for the remaining two occasions are but to be introduced. With the GST sequence now formally launched in Jamaica, anticipation is constructing for the beginning of a ground-breaking period in skilled observe and area, one which guarantees to redefine the fan expertise and honor Jamaica’s storied legacy within the sport.