Fred Kerley and Kenny Bednarek to battle for $400,000 as Olympic medalists sign with Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track

By Soumik Bhattacharya

Modified Sep 12, 2024 14:25 GMT

Paris Olympics medalists Kenny Bednarek and Fred Kerley have recently signed a deal to compete in Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track League, set to begin in the 2025 track and field season. This comes just a few days before Bednarek and Kerley's 200m face-off at the 2024 Diamond League finals in Brussels.

Bednarek and Kerley join an elite list of track superstars, that includes Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Josh Kerr, Cole Hocker, and Yared Nuguse, to feature in the Grand Slam Track League next season.

Bednarek and Kerley will compete in all four Grand Slam Track League events in the season (as they are Grand Slam Track League contracted racers), each with a prize of $100,000. Thus, both athletes will have a golden opportunity to earn a combined prize money of $400,000 if either were to win all four events.

Following the signing, 2024 Olympics 100m bronze medalist Kerley shared his thoughts on joining this new endeavor.

Kerley said (via a statement):

"When I first heard about Grand Slam Track, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of. I love competing and think the fans will really enjoy this new track format."

Bednarek also shared his thoughts on the Grand Slam Track League after putting pen to paper to participate in the competition.

The 25-year-old said in a statement:

"I love the head-to-head concept, emphasis on storytelling, showcasing personalities and a good opportunity for athletes to feature their talent."

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Kenny Bednarek finishes second at Zurich Diamond League meet

Kenny Bednarek at the Diamond League Silesia 2024 (Image via: Getty Images)

Following a third-place finish in Silesia, Paris Olympics silver medalist Kenny Bednarek produced another impressive performance at the 14th Diamond League of the season in Zurich. The 25-year-old clinched the second position in the men's 200m event after registering a personal best time of 19.57s.

The Oklahoma native finished behind the 200m reigning Olympic champion, Letsile Tebogo, who crossed the finishing line in 19.55s, winning his fourth consecutive Diamond League event after the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Following his second-place finish in the event, Bednarek opened up about registering his PB in the event, in a post-race interview. He mentioned the tough weather he had to withstand during the race.

Bednarek said:

"I am happy for my performance, got a PB and glad for that. I did not think it was going to be that fast in these conditions. All I was trying to think about was how to execute the race and keep going. So the next race, with the better conditions, it should be even better."

Bednarek will next compete in Brussels at the Diamond League finals where he will again go head-to-head with Tebogo in the 200m.