Jereem Richards Among the Winners as Record-Breaking Thrills Ignite Opening Day of Miami Grand Slam Track
The Grand Slam Track series made a sizzling U.S. debut at the Ansin Sports Complex in Miramar, Florida, on Friday, delivering an evening packed with record-breaking brilliance, photo finishes, and electrifying showdowns that had the crowd roaring from start to finish.
The opening event which set the tone—the women’s 100m hurdles—delivered one of the fastest races ever witnessed. Olympic champion Masai Russell rocketed to a jaw-dropping 12.17, the second-fastest time in history and a new American record. But this was no solo act—Tia Jones matched her stride for stride, flying to a blistering 12.19, also well inside the previous American record of 12.20 held by Kendra Harrison.
The two Americans hit the line in a blur, separated by just 0.02 seconds, thrilling fans with one of the most exhilarating duels ever seen in the event. Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent grabbed third in 12.34. Harrison, the former world record holder, was fourth in 12.40, while Olympic bronze medallist Megan Tapper notched a season’s best 12.50 for fifth, signalling her improving form this season.
In the men’s 200m, the drama went right to the thousandth. Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards and the Dominican Republic’s Alexander Ogando were dead even, both clocking 19.86 seconds. Only the photo finish could separate them—a microscopic 0.002 seconds in Richards’ favour. Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga (20.17) and Olympic champion Steven Gardiner (20.31) of the Bahamas rounded out the top four in a fiercely contested race.
The women’s 400m delivered yet another unforgettable battle. Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser, who stormed to a world-leading 48.67 in Kingston, exploded from the blocks, commanding the race through 300 metres. But with her signature patience and power, Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic hunted her down, surging past a fading Naser in the final metres to claim victory in 49.21. Naser, who led most of the way, settled for second in 49.33. Jamaica’s Nickisha Pryce, still working her way back to top form placed fifth in 50.71, just ahead of Stacy-Ann Williams (50.76).
Brazil’s Alison dos Santos looked imperious in the men’s 400m hurdles, cruising to victory in 47.97. American Chris Robinson was a distant second in 48.92, with Jamaica’s Malik James-King grabbing third in 49.43. Rising Jamaican star Roshawn Clarke suffered an injury and did not finish after hitting a hurdle midway through the race.
The women’s 5000m served up another heart-pounder. Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich and Ethiopia’s Medina Eisa waged a fierce duel, pulling clear of the field. Ngetich held firm as Eisa closed the gap in the final stretch, taking the win in 14:25.80—a mere 0.12 seconds ahead of Eisa (14:25.92). Hirut Meshesha was third in 14:40.46.
In the men’s 3000m, Ireland’s Andrew Coscoran timed his kick to perfection, pulling away in the final lap to win in 8:17.56. Americans Grant Fisher and George Mills finished second and third, respectively.
The women’s 100m, although wind-assisted, was a high-octane showcase of speed. Melissa Jefferson-Wooden blasted to a 10.75 (+2.4) victory, with Tamara Davis close behind in 10.79. Nigeria’s Favor Ofili (10.94) and Gabby Thomas (10.97) also dipped under 11 seconds in a display of world-class sprinting.
With two more days of action ahead, the Miami leg of the Grand Slam Track is already living up to the hype—and then some. The stage is set, the stars are shining, and the drama is only just beginning.
