Grand Slam Track unveils latest elite signings for 2025 inaugural season
Key Points(5)
- <strong>KINGSTON, JAMAICA </strong> — Grand Slam Track, a revolutionary global track and field league spearheaded by four-time U.S.
- Olympic champion Michael Johnson, has announced a glittering new slate of athletes for its inaugural 2025 season.
- Joining the league’s ranks are Olympic and world champions Nozomi Tanaka of Japan, Elise Cranny of the United States, Daryll Neita of Great Britain, Mary Moraa of Kenya, and Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain.
- Representing excellence across sprints, middle, and long distances, this quintet adds extraordinary depth to the league’s star-studded roster.
- “This league continues to exceed expectations,” said Johnson, the league’s founder and Commissioner.
KINGSTON, JAMAICA — Grand Slam Track, a revolutionary global track and field league spearheaded by four-time U.S. Olympic champion Michael Johnson, has announced a glittering new slate of athletes for its inaugural 2025 season.
Joining the league’s ranks are Olympic and world champions Nozomi Tanaka of Japan, Elise Cranny of the United States, Daryll Neita of Great Britain, Mary Moraa of Kenya, and Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain. Representing excellence across sprints, middle, and long distances, this quintet adds extraordinary depth to the league’s star-studded roster.
“This league continues to exceed expectations,” said Johnson, the league’s founder and Commissioner. “The world’s best athletes are signing on, and today’s announcement underscores our commitment to creating a Festival of Speed unlike anything fans have ever seen. We are redefining competition and bringing energy, innovation, and top-tier talent to the sport. These women exemplify what Grand Slam Track is all about.”
Grand Slam Track will debut in Kingston in April 2025 before moving on to Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. Athletes will compete across four Slams, with $12.6 million in total prize money, underscoring the league’s ambition to become the definitive stage for track and field.
Meet the new racers
Nozomi Tanaka (Japan)
A titan of middle and long-distance running, Tanaka has rewritten Japan’s record books, with national bests in the 1500m (3:59.19), 3000m, and 5000m (14:29.18). A two-time Olympian and a nine-time national champion, her dazzling career includes gold at the 2018 World U20 Championships and appearances at multiple World Championships and Cross Country Championships.
“I am thrilled to represent Japan in Grand Slam Track,” said Tanaka. “This league promises intense competition and an electrifying global stage. I’m ready to push my limits and deliver my best performances for the fans.”
Elise Cranny (United States)
Cranny, a Stanford graduate and middle-distance star, holds American records in the indoor 5000m and outdoor 3000m. A four-time national champion, she has competed at two Olympics and was part of the U.S. team that set the world record in the 4x1500m relay. Her resume includes a historic victory at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials and multiple championship titles.
“This league is more than competition—it’s a chance to learn, grow, and evolve,” said Cranny. “Every race is an opportunity to find new strengths and challenge myself against the world’s best.”
Daryll Neita (Great Britain)
A powerhouse in the 100m and 200m, Neita boasts Olympic medals in the 4x100m relay and personal bests of 10.90 seconds (100m) and 22.16 seconds (200m). Her consistency has earned her European Championship silver, Commonwealth Games medals, and five national titles.
“As the first British woman to join Grand Slam Track, I’m excited to embrace this thrilling new format,” said Neita. “Racing twice in a weekend is going to energize fans and push us athletes to our limits.”
Mary Moraa (Kenya)
Moraa is a sensation in the 800m, holding a bronze medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics and a gold from the 2023 World Athletics Championships. The Kenyan record-holder in the 400m and world record-holder in the 600m, Moraa’s meteoric rise is a testament to her unparalleled determination.
“Competing in Grand Slam Track is a tremendous honor,” said Moraa. “This league will challenge me to grow and elevate my career while proudly representing Kenya on the world stage.”
Salwa Eid Naser (Bahrain)
A sprinter of historic significance, Naser won 400m gold at the 2019 World Championships with a jaw-dropping 48.14 seconds—the third-fastest time ever. A two-time Diamond League champion, she has cemented herself as one of Asia’s most decorated athletes.
“Grand Slam Track is a thrilling opportunity,” said Naser. “Every race in this league will be a new challenge, and I’m eager to push myself to greater heights.”
A new era in track and field
Grand Slam Track plans to reshape the sport’s competitive structure. Each athlete will race twice per event weekend, with points awarded based on placement and combined times. The league prioritizes head-to-head competition, eschewing pacing aids such as rabbits and lights, to emphasize pure athletic rivalry.
Athletes will don customized kits designed with their sponsors, further amplifying their individuality. The league’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation is backed by $30 million in funding, ensuring a robust platform for athletes and fans alike.
Grand Slam Track’s confirmed roster now includes 37 of its 48 racers, featuring icons like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Fred Kerley, and Marileidy Paulino.
