After a thunderous debut in Kingston, Grand Slam Track, launched by Michael Johnson, is wasting no time keeping the momentum alive. The statues of legends like Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce may have stolen the visual spotlight, but on the track, it was the sprint stars who made the loudest statements. Kenny Bednarek and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone walked away as the first-ever Grand Slam champions. But now, the question echoes. Who dares to challenge them next?
Well, the answer to that may have just arrived. And its destination is set to be the Magic City. With the Miami leg set to bring more heat, Grand Slam Track has officially announced the first wave of challengers for its second stop. It’s not just a reveal. It’s a declaration. Now, a new cast is ready to throw down, and with stakes rising and reputations on the line. The road to Grand Slam glory is about to take a sharp turn. Here’s who’s coming for the crown in Miami.
Citius Mag’s Chris Chavez took to X and posted, “@GrandSlamTrack has announced its first set of Challengers ahead of its second stop in Miami from May 2nd to May 4th.” And with that, the next wave of contenders has officially entered the chat. Some seasoned, some surging, but all hungry to dethrone the inaugural Slam champs. The Miami meet isn’t just a sequel. It’s shaping up to be a showdown.
.@GrandSlamTrack has announced its first set of Challengers ahead of its second stop in Miami from May 2nd to May 4th.
• @tim_cheruiyot
• @annaahalll
• @De6rasse
• @amberanning
• @Ken_AYE_
• Claudia Hollingsworth
Read more: https://t.co/MDMHzZ0eQU
— Chris Chavez (@ChrisChavez) April 11, 2025
Leading the charge is Timothy Cheruiyot, the Kenyan ace who was third in the Kenyan National Championships, now stepping into a dual-distance challenge where his underrated 800m speed could shake up the leaderboard. Joining him in the long hurdles group is Anna Hall, the all-around heptathlon star who’ll now focus her firepower on the 400m flat and hurdles.
Two events that might feel like a vacation given her usual workload. Amber Anning, fresh off a world indoor title, will reignite her rivalry with Alexis Holmes in the long sprints. Expect fireworks! Then comes Andre De Grasse, a man with seven Olympic medals and nothing to prove but everything to reclaim. He had earlier squared off with Kenny Bednarek and Fred Kerley in the 200m.
Keni Harrison, once the world’s fastest hurdler in 100m, returns with a vengeance and a new coaching setup ready to reclaim her place atop the short hurdles game. And finally, Australia’s Claudia Hollingsworth, just 19, will make her Grand Slam debut in the women’s short distance group, looking to make a statement against the likes of Olympic silver medalist Jess Hull.
Michael Johnson promises fresh star power
The Grand Slam Track league, envisioned by four-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson, has made its intentions clear. Raise the stakes; raise the standards. The inaugural Kingston stop was a fast, flashy debut that saw sprint royalty. Gabby Thomas, Kenny Bednarek, and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone laid down early markers.
While they dazzled, the absence of headline acts like Noah Lyles and Julien Alfred was undeniable, leaving fans wondering what might come next. That question now has an answer. At least partially. The first two days in Kingston delivered on speed and spectacle, crowning inaugural champions in nearly every sprint discipline. But Johnson knows that to elevate the league into something sustainable and irresistible for all.
It needs depth and drama across every stop. As he put it, “His phone has been ringing fairly frequently,” referencing the overwhelming interest from athletes trying to join the mix, calling director Kyle Merber. “That’s precisely what we want.” The quote doesn’t just reflect growing buzz. It signals a momentum shift. With Miami up next, Johnson teased both new and familiar faces, saying, “In Miami, you’ll see some different challenges than in Philadelphia and L.A. But you’ll see some of those same challenges here.”
It’s a clear signal that no one’s spot is safe, and every race could shift the pecking order. Moreover, more names are expected to drop, with rumors swirling around Noah Lyles potentially entering the fray. If Kingston was the spark, Miami is shaping up to be the fire. And the challengers are already lining up.
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