'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
"Going to be really cool to see the sport grow" - Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone excited to compete in two events in Michael Johnson's Grand Slam track
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone recently spoke on competing the Grand Slam Track League, launched by Michael Johnson and scheduled for 2025, following her impressive performances at the 2024 Brussels Diamond League. At the Brussels Diamond League, McLaughlin-Levrone won the invitational sprint double (200m/400m) events to conclude an incredible 2024 season.
After not being eligible to compete in the finals, the Brussels Diamond League organizers honored McLaughlin-Levrone for her outstanding achievements in Athletics by adding two invitational events in 200m and 400m to their program. The sprinter rose to the occasion, winning both competitions, clocking 22.40 seconds in the 200m and 49.11 seconds in the 400m.
Following her performances in Brussels, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was asked by the media about competing in the Grand Slam Track League in 2025. The 25-year-old responded by saying that it would be fun to compete in two events and to witness the growth of track. She said (starting 1:38 onwards):
“Yeah, I think it'll be fun. Honestly, being able to do two events and kind of just challenge yourself also using some of those as training blocks, I think it's just going to be really cool to see that dynamic and see the sport grow in popularity. So, I'm excited to be a part of that in any way.”
Another journalist asked the four-time Olympic gold medalist if there is a possibility for her to double up in 200m and 400m instead of 400m and 400m hurdles at the Grand Slam Track. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone acknowledged that there may be a chance of that happening, stating (beginning 3:38 onwards):
“It's always a possibility absolutely. So, I think yeah that's the exciting thing is I'm blessed with the ability kind of to switch some of these events and do different things and so yeah love challenging myself that's definitely a possible duo right there.”
Notably, the Grand Slam Track is set to host four ‘Slams’ annually with the athletes being allowed to race in a maximum of two events per Slam.
Besides Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who are other prominent names that will compete at Grand Slam Track?
Michael Johnson, the retired track legend and four-time Olympic gold medalist, announced the launch of the Grand Slam Track in June 2024. The league is aimed towards elevating the growth and popularity of Athletics.
Since the signing of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone as the first racer of the Grand Slam Track, many prominent athletes have joined the league, including American sprint stars Fred Kerley, Kenny Bednarek, and middle-distance runners Cole Hocker, Josh Kerr, and Yared Nuguse as racers.
All the aforementioned athletes have won medals at the prestigious Olympic Games and would look to make an impression in the league, beginning in the 2025 season.
Trending
