Chris Bailey didn’t just imagine it—he did it. After leading the US medal sweep in 400m in Nanjing, we saw a jaw-dropping display of speed and grit, Bailey clocked a world-leading speed at Grand Slam Track that kicked off in Kingston on April 4, 2025. Fresh off his first individual global title at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing two weeks ago, and a 4x400m gold at the Paris Olympics—where he placed sixth in the 400m final, Bailey is proving he’s no one-hit-wonder. This wasn’t just a race; it was a statement. The track world is buzzing, and Bailey’s name is now on everyone’s lips. We wonder what it takes to outrun an Olympic medalist and kick off a season with a world-leading time?
At the Grand Slam Track opener in Kingston, Jamaica, Bailey stormed to a 44.34-second 400m victory, beating Olympic silver medalist Matthew Hudson-Smith (44.65) and Vernon Norwood (44.70). Post-race, while talking to CitiusMag, he reflected on his 44.34, a time he’s only hit once before in the Olympic semi-finals and said, “I got the wrong time for last call but we rode with the punches. You know track and field, anything happens, so just got to always be prepared. Time was great, can’t say I expected more. I mean that was a great a decent opener, so can’t complain.“
He further added, “…first 200 it felt a little too relaxed I mean but I guess that was the case for everybody. You know these midday races are a little challenging, so we just roll with the punches. I’m just glad it was a very clean race for everybody no injuries. So looking forward to everybody being there tomorrow for the 200.” Health has been a hurdle for Bailey before. In 2021, right hamstring issues limited him to relay legs at Tennessee, yet he still clocked blistering splits of 44.66 and 44.79, helping his team win the Southeastern Conference 4x400m and take third at the NCAAs. Left hamstring injuries cut his 2022 seasons short, but he graduated with a kinesiology degree, a testament to his perseverance. “The way my hamstrings [have] been set up these past few years, we just decided to take it easy, but last year my health was on my side this time. So, going into this year, I’m looking forward to it,” he explained.
At 24, Bailey’s blend of speed and strategy is turning heads. “I would say they pushed me very well. Once we came around, I guess 300 m and I saw Matt on my inside I was like “Okay I got to go with him or I’m just going to be sad at the end” So went with him and it worked out in my favor.” he further explained. His 44.34 at the Grand Slam Track not only topped a stacked field but also set a benchmark for 2025. With Hudson-Smith and Norwood trailing, the race underscored his potential to reshape the 400m hierarchy. As he eyes the 200m and beyond, Bailey’s unflappable demeanor and injury-defying comeback make him a force to watch. This opener wasn’t just a win—it was a promise of more to come.
Bailey credited his agent for handling the pressure, leaving him free to focus on running. “It’s a big relief. It’s something I’ve been working for something I haven’t really been stressing about because you know when you stress about things you really can’t control, it really takes a toll on your performance. So I try to, you know, let my agent stress about that and worry about all that. And I’m just running.” This wasn’t just a physical triumph—it was mental, too.
Bailey’s blend of physical prowess and mental clarity makes him a rare talent. His versatility—jumping from the gruelling 400m to the explosive 200m—adds intrigue to his season arc. The Grand Slam Tracks’ Kingston opener wasn’t just a win; it was a launchpad. Now, he is ready to carry forward the winning momentum to the second day of Grand Slam Track, where he will compete in the 200m event.
Chris Bailey excited about running 200 metres after six years in Grand Slam Track
Bailey’s excitement was palpable post-400m. He is going to run in the Men’s short distance 200m again on 5th April, on the second day of the Grand Slam Track event. “It’s going to be my first [200m race] in six years,” he said, his voice carrying a mix of anticipation and curiosity. To understand Bailey’s 200m potential, rewind to 2019, his last competitive season in the event as a Tennessee standout. On March 23 in Starkville, Mississippi, he ran a season-best 21.58 outdoors—a solid mark for a then-19-year-old still honing his craft.
Earlier that year, on February 14 in Birmingham, Alabama, he clocked 22.17 on a 200m short track indoors, showing early flashes of versatility. Those times, while impressive for a collegiate athlete, pale against the athlete Bailey has become. For an athlete who’s dominated the 400m, dipping back into the 200m feels like uncharted territory—and he’s eager to explore it. On being asked about it, he said, “…curious to see like just how fast I could run an all out 200 since it’s been so long. Um I know I’ve gotten faster and um you know I’ve dropped sub 21.00s in practice indoors. So I’m really excited to see what I can do out here tomorrow” he added, hinting at the speed he’s been building behind the scenes.
Grand Slam Track’s debut is a launchpad for stars like Bailey. His 44.34 wasn’t just a win—it was a springboard that sets the stage for a 200m that could stun. At 24, Bailey’s not just chasing times—he’s chasing legacy. With the crowd roaring and six years of growth behind him, his 200m return might just rewrite his story again.
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