Kingston, Jamaica — The inaugural Grand Slam Track (GST) series, a global professional track and field circuit with a prize fund of $12.5 million, was officially launched on Monday, November 11, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston.
The series, spearheaded by four-time Olympic gold medalist and former world record holder Michael Johnson, will begin at Jamaica’s National Stadium from April 4-6, 2025, before continuing to three other locations, including Los Angeles.
During the launch, Johnson underscored the choice of Jamaica as the ideal starting point for the series, given the island’s exceptional track and field legacy. “Jamaica has always punched far above its weight on the global stage,” Johnson noted. “It’s only fitting that the first-ever Grand Slam Track series honors that excellence. We could not be more excited to be here, in Kingston, to launch this journey.”
Johnson’s own history with Jamaica
Johnson’s own history with Jamaica, where he first competed outside the U.S. in 1989 at the Mutual Life Games, added a personal layer to his decision. “That experience left an indelible mark on my life and career,” he said. “This series is an opportunity to give back to a community that inspired me deeply as a young athlete and to elevate the sport for new generations of fans.”
The GST series is poised to transform professional track and field, featuring 96 elite athletes who will compete across six categories, including sprints, hurdles, and distance events. Of these competitors, 48 “GST Racers” will participate in all four legs of the series, while the remaining 48 “GST Challengers” will join select events. Several prominent athletes, including Olympic champions Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Fred Kerley, and Jamaica’s own Rushell Clayton, Roshawn Clarke, and Ackera Nugent, have already signed on.
In his remarks, Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Vice-President Ian Forbes described the GST as a “visionary concept” that would energize the sport with fresh appeal. “Project Grand Slam epitomizes creativity, innovation, and forward-thinking,” Forbes said. “Track and field has evolved rapidly over the past two decades, and this series answers the call for a modern, thrilling approach that engages fans in new and exciting ways.”
A significant economic opportunity
The GST series also represents a significant economic opportunity for Jamaica, aligning with the government’s goal to elevate the island as a sports tourism hub. Sports Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange highlighted this impact. “The Grand Slam Track series is a natural extension of our commitment to making Jamaica a prime destination for sports,” Grange stated. “Having one of the series stops here is a testament to Jamaica’s prominence in track and field, and it’s a chance to share our love of the sport with the world.”
The Grand Slam Track series will feature the most lucrative prizes in track and field history, with individual event winners taking home $100,000 down to $10,000 for eighth place. “This series isn’t just about the competition,” Johnson added. “It’s about building a legacy that will resonate with fans across the globe. We’re creating an experience where fans get to see the very best athletes compete more often, head-to-head, in a format that’s as thrilling to watch as it is rewarding for the athletes.”
Minister Grange concluded by underscoring the series’ importance to Jamaica’s international reputation. “This event complements our government’s sports development trust, which aims to showcase Jamaica as the ultimate country to compete, watch, and talk about sport,” she said.
The series will continue with additional meets, including a confirmed stop in Los Angeles, while the locations for the remaining two events are yet to be announced. With the GST series now officially launched in Jamaica, anticipation is building for the start of a ground-breaking era in professional track and field, one that promises to redefine the fan experience and honor Jamaica’s storied legacy in the sport.
 series, a global professional track and field circuit with a prize fund of $12.5 million){kind=link}