Grand Slam Track, the revolutionary league redefining professional track and field, has announced the final five Racers for its debut season.
Caleb Dean, Diribe Welteji, Freddie Crittenden, Brittany Brown, and Zharnel Hughes are set to compete in all four events of the league’s ground-breaking 2025 series. This announcement rounds out a historic roster of 48 world-class athletes who will bring unparalleled energy to this new era of track competition.
A visionary milestone for track and field
Founded by four-time U.S. Olympic Champion Michael Johnson, Grand Slam Track aims to transform track and field into a premier spectator sport. Johnson expressed his excitement about completing the inaugural class of Racers:
“This is one of the greatest collections of track athletes ever assembled,” said Johnson, the league’s founder and Commissioner. “Fans around the world are eager to see them in action. Kingston, Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles will host ultimate festivals of speed, and we can’t wait for Grand Slam Track to officially get underway in April.”
With its unique format, the league promises electrifying head-to-head competition, eschewing pacing lights or rabbits in favor of raw athletic prowess. Each of the four Slams will offer a $100,000 top prize for winners in every event category, with a total prize pool of $12.6 million annually.
Spotlight on the newest racers
Caleb Dean: An American hurdling phenom, Dean made history in 2024 by winning NCAA titles in both the 60m hurdles and the 400m hurdles—a feat never achieved before. His blazing personal best of 47.23 seconds in the 400m hurdles places him among the sport’s elite. Reflecting on his journey, Dean remarked:
“Winning the National Championship was a huge milestone, but it’s just the beginning. I’m hungry for more, and the opportunity to compete in Grand Slam Track is a dream come true.”
Diribe Welteji: At just 22, Ethiopia’s middle-distance sensation has already shattered records and captured hearts. Welteji claimed a silver medal in the 1500m at the 2023 World Championships and a stunning fourth-place finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Known for her versatility, she also holds the world record in the road mile with an astonishing 4:20.98. Welteji shared her aspirations:
“Every race is an opportunity to inspire the next generation. Competing in Grand Slam Track allows me to elevate my sport while representing Ethiopia on the biggest stage.”
Freddie Crittenden: Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, Crittenden’s journey includes a sixth-place finish in the 110m hurdles at the Paris Olympics and a fourth-place finish at the 2023 World Championships. A two-time First Team All-American at Syracuse University, he now sets his sights on dominating the Grand Slam Track circuit.
“Joining Grand Slam Track is an incredible opportunity to showcase my skills against the world’s best,” said Crittenden. “I’m ready to push my limits.”
Brittany Brown: As a sprinting powerhouse, Brown has consistently turned heads with her stellar performances. The Olympic bronze medalist in the 200m from Paris and a 2024 Diamond League champion, Brown is eager to cement her legacy.
“This league is revolutionary,” Brown enthused. “I’m thrilled to be part of this new era for track and field and can’t wait to put on a show for the fans.”
Zharnel Hughes: Britain’s sprinting titan, Hughes boasts national records in the 100m and 200m and a personal best of 9.83 seconds in the 100m. A multiple European gold medalist and Olympic relay bronze medalist, Hughes is eager to compete against the world’s best in Grand Slam Track.
“I’m driven to inspire and leave a lasting legacy,” said Hughes. “This league is the perfect platform to showcase the speed and spirit of our sport.”
Game-changing opportunities for athletes
Grand Slam Track Racers are not just athletes—they are ambassadors of the sport. Each racer will receive annual contracts, access to marketing and branding support, and inclusion in the league’s collective. Their participation guarantees appearances at all four Slams, ensuring fans witness the best matchups in every event.
The 48 Challengers, who will be announced soon, will compete alongside the Racers at each Slam. The Challengers will be selected for their performance potential and compelling rivalries, adding another layer of excitement to the league.
Fans can now secure tickets for the inaugural 2025 season at venues in Kingston, Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. With world-class athletes like Dean, Welteji, Crittenden, Brown, and Hughes set to compete, each event promises an unforgettable spectacle.
For ticket information and updates, visit grandslamtrack.com/events.
