Grand Slam first had to be in Jamaica – Johnson

FOUR-TIME OLYMPIC champion and former world record holder Michael Johnson said the decision to host the first stop of the Grand Slam Track (GST) series in Kingston was an easy choice, as Jamaica has proven itself a premier destination over the course of decades.

Speaking at the event’s press conference at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel yesterday, Johnson said it was only right to kick off the inaugural series in a nation that has the well-earned reputation of being one of the global powerhouses in sprinting.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be coming here to Jamaica, to Kingston, for the first-ever Grand Slam Track,” said Johnson.

“Jamaica truly has earned its place as one of the pre-eminent track and field countries in the world. This country has punched far above its weight on the global stage, so, for us, it is only fitting that we, the Grand Slam Track, a new professional series that has catapulted itself to the top of the sport, honour that excellence in track that Jamaica has always represented and continues to represent.”

The GST is slated to kick off at the National Stadium from April 4 to April 6 next year, with several marquee names in the sport already joining a growing roster.

Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) vice-president Ian Forbes voiced his approval of the decision to have Jamaica host the first leg of the four-stop professional track league series.

Ground-breaking initiative

Forbes said the sport has seen several changes over the last few years, and praised the GST series as a ground-breaking initiative driven to create more excitement for fans and the general public.

“Project Grand Slam is the epitome of visionary thinking, creativity and innovation,” Forbes said.

“Our sport of track and field has been evolving rapidly for the last 15 to 20 years, with a number of changes being made generally in the greater interest of fans and the general public.

“The JAAA is very pleased and proud to be selected as one of the partners in this new track and field global initiative. As one of the world’s powerhouses in track and field, it is fitting that Jamaica has been selected as a key stakeholder partner.”

Also in attendance was Sports Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, who welcomed the event to the island’s shore.

She said the arrival of the international tournament aligns with the government’s plan of facilitating growth in Jamaica’s standing among the global sporting destinations.

“The best part of the idea is that one of the slabs will take place here in Jamaica, the home of the best athletes,” she said.

“The Grand Slam Track feeds well into our government’s sports development trust, which aims to position Jamaica as the best country to participate in, to watch, and talk about sport.”

The GST series will consist of four stops across the calendar year, with Kingston and Los Angeles being two of the four confirmed host cities.

The event is spread across six event categories, short sprints, short hurdles, long sprints, long hurdles, short distance and long distance.

Ninety-six athletes will be selected to compete in the GST series, with 48 athletes, designed as GST Racers, competing in all four slams throughout the year.

The remaining 48 athletes will be designated GST Challengers.

Of the growing roster, three Jamaicans athletes, Rushell Clayton, Roshawn Clarke and Ackera Nugent, have added their names to the GST list of GST Racers.