Matthew Hudson-Smith has announced his commitment to Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track series, with the latest signings confirmed for the 2025 season. The Grand Slam Track is a new series of athletics events set to launch next year, aiming to revitalise the sport and attract new investment. The inaugural season will feature four “Slams” showcasing top athletes in various disciplines.
Joining the roster of GST racers in the long sprints category is Olympic silver medallist Matthew Hudson-Smith. Also confirmed for the 400m event is Quincy Hall from the USA, who bested Hudson-Smith at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Earlier this year, Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga, who won bronze at the same event, was announced as the first core athlete in the discipline.
Expressing his eagerness to compete in the Grand Slam Track, Hudson-Smith stated, “I’ve been racing for a long time, and what really stands out to me about Grand Slam Track is the chance to approach the sport from a new angle.” He emphasised the new opportunity to compete differently and race alongside some of the best athletes in the world, expressing his readiness to bring his experience to the competition.
The core quartet for the 400m and 200m races at each of the Grand Slam events will consist of Hudson-Smith, Hall, Samukonga, and a fourth runner yet to be announced. Additionally, four additional racers will join them as “challengers” at each of the Slams, adding to the competitive atmosphere.
Grand Slam Track founder and commissioner Michael Johnson commented on the latest signings, praising the addition of Hudson-Smith and Hall to the series. He highlighted their exceptional performances in Paris and their status as top athletes in the field. Johnson expressed excitement about the level of competition and the potential for these athletes to elevate the events in the upcoming season.
Other notable participants already unveiled for the Grand Slam Track series include Josh Kerr and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, as Johnson aims to attract new fans and generate interest in athletics through this innovative competition format. The Grand Slam Track series is set to provide a platform for athletes to showcase their talents and engage audiences in thrilling competitions around the world.