On day two of the inaugural Grand Slam Track meet in Kingston, Jamaica was thrilling. Diamond League-level competition prevailed.
It could be said that Salwa Eid Naser stole the show in the women’s 400m with a 48-second performance. American Gabby Thomas earned the $100,000 jackpot in the long sprint category. Saturday’s action closed the dramatic weekend of many personal bests.
Marco Arop wins 800m at the Grand Slam Track in Kingston, Jamaica 🏃🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/mftK7Wpat2
— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) April 6, 2025
Eid Naser, the 2019 world champion, ran 48.67 for the women’s 400m win. This was her second time running sub-49 in 2025.
Thomas, coming off a 200m win on day one, finished second in 49.14. The $100,000 is based on combined results that she achieved over the longer sprints (200m, 400m). Olympic silver medallist Marileidy Paulino placed third in 49.35, ending her 14-race winning streak in the event.
Thomas said, “I’m not sure I’ve ever been more tired in my life. I knew that it was going to be one of the hardest races of my life just because of the talent in the field.”
Meanwhile, Canada’s Marco Aarop defeated Kenyan Emmanuel Wanyonyi in the 800m event, clocking a 1:45.13. Wanyonyo finished in second in the time of 1:46.33. Taking third was American Bryce Hoppell in 1:47.02. It is early in the season for outdoor track. These athletes will want to peak for the Nanjing World Athletics Championships.
Financially, Wanyonyo took home more as he was the champion of combined events. He earned $100,000, Aarop, $50,000. Hoppell earned $15,000.
It pays to venture out of one’s comfort zone in this series.
