MIAMI – The Grand Slam Track circuit’s Miami meet delivered a stunning display of speed, power, and precision, as American stars Kenny Bednarek and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone stormed to their second consecutive titles, electrifying fans at the Ansin Sports Complex.
After drawing criticism for low turnout in Kingston, the start-up track series — backed by Olympic legend Michael Johnson — bounced back with a vibrant atmosphere and standout performances that thrilled the Miami crowd.
Bednarek Blazes Trail
Kenny Bednarek, who clocked a wind-aided 9.79 in the 100m on Saturday, backed it up with a dominant 200m win in 19.84 seconds — nearly three-tenths ahead of Britain’s Zharnel Hughes. With this sweep, Bednarek secured the men’s short sprints group title and a $200,000 prize.
“I’m going to be dominant this year,” said the confident 26-year-old Olympian. “I’m right where I need to be.”
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone showed her class once again. After winning the 400m hurdles on Friday, she cruised through the 400m flat in 49.69 seconds — nearly two seconds ahead of American Anna Hall — to claim the long hurdles group crown. The world record holder made it look effortless and remains unbeaten in this format.
Grant Fisher brought the crowd to their feet with a heroic effort in the men’s 5,000m. After a runner-up finish in the 3,000m, he surged with four laps to go and closed with a blistering 3:57 mile to finish in 13:40.32, securing the long distance title with 20 points. “That was all heart,” Fisher said post-race.
Paulino Breaks Records, Dos Santos Stays Perfect
Dominican 400m Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino smashed her national record with a 22.30 win in the 200m to complete her sweep of the women’s long sprints. Meanwhile, Brazil’s Alison dos Santos maintained his flawless run in the men’s long hurdles, reinforcing his world-class status.
Other Group Champions:
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Freweyni Hailu (ETH): Took the women’s short distance group with 18 points.
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Agnes Ngetich (KEN): Dominated the women’s long distance category.
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Trey Cunningham (USA): Topped the men’s short hurdles group with a perfect 24 points.
The Grand Slam Track series continues to reshape traditional athletics, blending elite competition with fan engagement and high-stakes rewards. All eyes now turn to the next meet as the battle for supremacy heats up.
