Why it matters
The Grand Slam Track Miami meet, part of a new series aiming to redefine elite track competition in the U.S., has already produced historic performances and world-leading times. With top-tier fields and high stakes, the event has become a proving ground ahead of the 2025 World Championships.
By the numbers
- 🇺🇸 12.17 seconds: Masai Russell’s new American record in the women’s 100m hurdles
- 🇬🇧 3:34.51: Josh Kerr’s comeback victory in the men’s 1,500m
- 🌪️ 9.79 (wind-aided): Kenneth Bednarek’s win in the men’s 100m
- ⏱️ 14:25.80: Agnes Ngetich’s strong finish in the women’s 5,000m
What’s happening
Masai Russell’s record run
Russell stunned the field with a 12.17 in the 100m hurdles, eclipsing Keni Harrison’s previous American record. Only Tobi Amusan has run faster (12.12). Tia Jones also posted a historic 12.19 for second place—now third all-time.
Josh Kerr’s tactical redemption
After struggling in Kingston, Kerr rebounded with a perfectly-timed move in the final lap to win the men’s 1,500m, outkicking Yared Nuguse and Cole Hocker.
Sprints and distance clashes
- Men’s 100m: Bednarek led a blazing race in 9.79 (wind-aided), ahead of Oblique Seville and Ackeem Blake.
- Women’s 200m: Gabrielle Thomas surged to victory in 21.95, edging Tamari Davis and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden.
- Women’s 5,000m: Ngetich held off Medina Eisa with a late push.
- Men’s 3,000m: Andrew Coscoran outkicked Grant Fisher in a tactical affair.
What to watch: Day 3 lineup
📅 Sunday, May 5
📍 Ansin Sports Complex, Miramar, Fla.
📺 Live coverage begins at 3:00 p.m. ET on Peacock and The CW
Must-watch events:
- Men’s 200m (5:21 p.m.): Bednarek, Fred Kerley, and Jereem Richards in sprint showdown
- Women’s 800m (3:42 p.m.): Mary Moraa, Nikki Hiltz, Diribe Welteji
- Men’s 110m hurdles (3:55 p.m.): Freddie Crittenden, Sasha Zhoya, Daniel Roberts
- Women’s 3,000m (4:04 p.m.): Ngetich returns to face Elise Cranny and Nozomi Tanaka
- Men’s 400m hurdles (4:23 p.m.): Alison dos Santos vs. Roshawn Clarke
- Women’s 200m (4:35 p.m.): Marileidy Paulino and Salwa Eid Naser
- Men’s 5,000m (4:44 p.m.): Grant Fisher seeks redemption vs. Ronald Kwemoi and Coscoran
- Women’s 400m hurdles (5:09 p.m.): Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone headlines
The bigger picture
The Grand Slam Track series, launched by Olympic legend Michael Johnson, aims to revolutionize professional track and field. However, its inaugural meet in Kingston, Jamaica, revealed several challenges.
Despite featuring top-tier athletes and offering substantial prize money, the event suffered from sparse attendance and logistical issues, leading to criticism from figures like Diamond League founder Patrick Magyar, who described the meet as “boring and lifeless”.
In contrast, the second meet in Miami showcased significant improvements. With record-breaking performances, such as Masai Russell’s American record in the 100m hurdles, and better audience engagement, Miami demonstrated the series’ potential when execution aligns with ambition.
As the Grand Slam Track series progresses to Philadelphia and Los Angeles, organizers will aim to build on Miami’s success and address the shortcomings observed in Kingston.
