McLaughlin-Levrone and Bednarek Clinch Second Slam Titles as Grand Slam Track Miami Delivers a Thrilling Finale
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Kenny Bednarek, and Trey Cunningham secured their second straight Grand Slam Track titles on Sunday as the Miami leg of the series closed in spectacular fashion at the Ansin Sports Complex.
McLaughlin-Levrone delivered another clinical performance in the women’s 400m, winning the final in 49.69s to seal the women’s long hurdles title and the US$100,000 prize after also winning in Kingston. Jamaica’s Andrenette Knight placed third in the race with 51.80s but finished second overall in the Slam standings, earning US$50,000, while American Anna Hall ran 51.68s for second in the race and third overall. Jamaica’s Shiann Salmon clocked 52.17s for fourth.
Bednarek closed out the meet in style, storming to victory in the men’s 200m final with a world-leading 19.84s (+0.2), replicating his win in Kingston to claim the men’s short sprint Slam title and another US$100,000. Jamaica’s Oblique Seville produced a lifetime best of 20.13s to finish third in the race and secure second overall, pocketing US$50,000, while Great Britain’s Zharnel Hughes (2nd in the race) ended third in the Slam for US$30,000. Andre De Grasse of Canada ran 20.23s for fourth and Akeem Blake of Jamaica was eighth in 21.09s.
In the men’s 100m short hurdles, Trey Cunningham was dominant once again. The American blazed to a personal best 10.17s (+0.7) to win his second straight final and top the Slam standings with 24 points, earning the US$100,000 prize. France’s Sasha Zhoya clocked a personal best 10.36s to place third in the race and take second overall (US$50,000), while American Jamal Britt was second in the race and finished third overall.
The women’s 800m final was a nail-biter, with Kenya’s Mary Moraa winning in 1:59.51, good enough for third overall in the Slam and a US$30,000 prize. American Nikki Hiltz (1:59.75) finished second in the race and overall (US$50,000), while Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu, third in the race at 1:59.84, captured the overall title and US$100,000. Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji was fourth in 1:59.94, while St. Vincent’s Shafiqua Maloney was sixth in 2:00.96.
In the women’s 3000m, Ethiopia’s Hirut Meshesha clocked a lifetime best 8:22.72 to win the race and finish second overall (US$50,000). Her compatriot Medina Eisa (8:23.08) took second, while Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich was third in the race and claimed the overall title and US$100,000.
Dominican Republic’s Marileidy Paulino completed a sensational double in Miami, winning the women’s 200m in a personal best and national record 22.30s (+1.0) to seal the Slam title and US$100,000. Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain placed second in the race and overall (US$50,000), and American Isabella Whittaker was third in both categories. Jamaicans Nickisha Pryce (22.77s) and Stacey Ann Williams (22.98s) placed fourth and seventh respectively.
Brazil’s Alison dos Santos continued his winning ways in the men’s long hurdles, capturing the Slam crown with a lifetime best 44.55s in the 400m final. American Chris Robinson followed with 45.86s for second place in both the race and overall standings. Jamaica’s Malik James King ran 46.37s for fifth.
American Grant Fisher claimed his second 5000m win of the series, clocking 13:40.32s to top the men’s long distance standings. Ireland’s Andrew Coscoran, who finished third in the race with 13:46.30s, placed second in the Slam rankings.
The Grand Slam Track Series now shifts focus to its third stop in Philadelphia later this month, with athletes chasing not just glory—but life-changing paydays.
