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Grand Slam Track (Slam) has signed a bevy of elite athletes including Nickisha Pryce, Alexis Holmes, Hagos Gebrhiwet, Oblique Seville, and Sasha Zhoya.
The series was launched earlier this year by four-time US Olympic gold medallist, Michael Johnson. Slam announced the signings on Tuesday, December 10. The athletes will compete in all four Slam events during the series’ upcoming 2025 season.
“Their inclusion highlights Grand Slam Track’s commitment to showcasing the world’s best talent, bringing fans an exciting and diverse lineup for the inaugural season.”
“Grand Slam Track™ is creating a platform where the best of the best come together to push the limits of speed and endurance,” said Michael Johnson, the league’s founder and Commissioner. “The level of competition this league is attracting is unmatched, and with these five incredible athletes joining the roster, fans are in for an unforgettable experience. From Kingston to Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, we’re bringing the ultimate Festival of Speed to the fans, and I can’t wait to see what these Racers will accomplish as they take on the world’s top competition. We’re delighted to welcome Nickisha, Alexis, Hagos, Oblique, and Sasha into the Grand Slam Track™ family.”
Currently, the premier track series is the Wanda Diamond League, which offers 14 meets across the globe. According to World Athletics president Sebastian Coe, Slam is not a threat to the established series, which takes place in Asia, the US, throughout Europe and in the Middle East.
Sebastian Coe says Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track is not a threat to World Athletics and hopes the new competition is successful.
American cities Miami, Philadelphia and Los Angeles will host after the curtain-raiser in Kingston, Jamaica, while The Diamond League – the sport’s established professional circuit – will again hold 15 meetings in 2025 with record prize money totalling US$9.2 million.
“We should be comforted that we have created a landscape where people think it’s worth investing in our sport,” said Coe.
“It’s important that we work as collaborators here and not competitors. I want them to be successful and add lustre to our sport. I think there is space for everybody here. As long as there is communication and we have calendar coordination.
“I don’t see it as a threat. I’ve never ever seen competition as a threat. You either work with competition or you don’t. Frankly, this is an organization that welcomes all sorts of innovation. We’ve shown we’re not afraid of that, and I wish Michael success.”
“Joining Grand Slam Track™ is a dream come true for me,” said Pryce. “I’ve spent years working toward competing at the highest level, and this is the perfect opportunity to push myself even further. I’m excited for the challenge and ready to bring my best to every race. The road ahead will be tough, but I believe I have the strength to rise to it and accomplish even more, both on and off the track.”
Slam announced earlier this year that the organization has signed several other world-class athletes including Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Gabby Thomas, Nozomi Tanaka, Elise Cranny, Daryll Neita, Mary Moraa, Salwa Eid Naser. and Josh Kerr to name a few.
