Michael Johnson shares the first location in groundbreaking Grand Slam Track league

Michael Johnson shares the first location in groundbreaking Grand Slam Track league

Festus Chuma 09:31 - 12.11.2024

Michael Johnson has unveiled plans for a groundbreaking Grand Slam Track competition set for next April.

American sprint legend Michael Johnson has announced that Kingston, Jamaica, will be one of the hosts for the highly anticipated Grand Slam Track competition.

Slated for April 4-6, 2025, the event will be held at the iconic National Stadium at Independence Park, kicking off what organizers hope will be an electrifying annual track and field series.

The Jamaican capital will join Los Angeles as the first confirmed locations in the inaugural four-city tour, with the remaining two host cities for 2025 to be announced later this week.

“Jamaica has such a strong history in this sport,” Johnson stated as per Jamaica Observer.

“The talent and love for the sport here make it a perfect fit for what we’re building. It’s going to be an incredible event, and we’re proud to have Kingston as one of our four slams in our inaugural season to kick this whole thing off.”

Johnson’s vision for the Grand Slam Track league is ambitious, aiming to bring together top athletes from around the world to compete in an annual tour that combines the spirit of competition with the glamour and visibility of major professional sports leagues.

The selection of Kingston underscores Jamaica’s established reputation as a track and field powerhouse, as well as its promising potential as a destination for sports tourism.

Jamaican Minister of Sports, Olivia Grange, welcomed the announcement enthusiastically, viewing the event as a significant opportunity to showcase Jamaica’s sporting heritage on a grand stage.

She also emphasized the potential for economic impact, as the event is expected to draw spectators and participants from across the globe.

“This is a chance for us to be part of something huge,” Grange said.

“Bringing top athletes to our track and helping the sport grow in a new and exciting way. It will help to promote the island as a center of sports tourism and provide opportunities for athletes.”

A Jamaican delegation, led by Venue Director Don Lockerbie and representatives from the Grand Slam Track team, recently conducted site visits to the National Stadium.

Originally built in 1962, the stadium holds a special place in the hearts of Jamaican sports fans, but concerns have been raised about the facility’s aging infrastructure, particularly its running track and lighting system.

Garth Goyle, President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, was instrumental in brokering discussions to secure Jamaica’s position as a host nation.

He noted that Jamaica’s rich athletics history was influential in the final decision, particularly given the island’s standing in the track and field world.

The Grand Slam Track league has already attracted a star-studded lineup that includes notable Jamaican athletes such as 400m Hurdles World Championships bronze medalist Rushell Clayton, national 100m Hurdles record-holder Ackera Nugent and world Under-20 Men’s 400m Hurdles record-holder Roshawn Clarke.

They will be joined by other high-profile athletes, including Marileidy Paulino, Fred Kerley, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, and Alison dos Santos, creating an enticing mix of international talent and Jamaican pride.