Olympic star Vernon Norwood has called out Usain Bolt to show up, hinting that the legendary sprinter’s world records could be in danger.
Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track will debut in Kingston, Jamaica, from April 4-6, 2025.
With a staggering $100,000 top prize, elite sprinters like Fred Kerley, Kenny Bednarek, and Vernon Norwood are set to battle in high-stakes head-to-head races.
The two-time Olympic champion in the 4x400m relay, Vernon Norwood took to social media with a direct challenge to the fastest man in history.
“Somebody tell Usain Bolt to pull up to Grand Slam in Kingston! Somebody might break his world records in Kingston,” he wrote in his X account.
The post quickly went viral, with fans and athletes alike speculating—could Bolt’s untouchable 9.58-second 100m record finally fall?
Norwood, who will compete in the 200m and 400m at Grand Slam Track, isn’t just making empty claims. His 45.31-second personal best in the 400m is actually faster than Bolt’s 45.92 from 2007.
While Norwood specializes in longer sprints, his confidence suggests that the Kingston track and the caliber of athletes present could produce something historic.
Could Bolt’s 100m World Record Really Be Broken?
Since 2009, Usain Bolt’s 9.58-second 100m dash has stood as the ultimate benchmark in sprinting. Despite advances in training, nutrition, and technology, no one has come within 0.10 seconds of that mark.
But Grand Slam Track’s unique format featuring head-to-head matchups and huge financial incentives, could push athletes beyond their limits.
Fred Kerley: The Prime Contender
At 29 years old, Fred Kerley is the most likely candidate to challenge Bolt’s record. With a personal best of 9.76 seconds and a 6-foot-3 frame similar to Bolt’s, he has the raw speed and stride length to threaten the mark.
His 400m background of 43.64 PB also mirrors Bolt’s early career, giving him the endurance to maintain top speed.
If conditions in Kingston are perfect, minimal wind resistance, optimal temperature, and peak competition Kerley could flirt with a sub-9.70-second run. But shaving off 0.18 seconds remains a Herculean task.
While Fred Kerley leads the charge to challenge Bolt’s record, other sprinters could surprise in Kingston. 200m specialist Kenny Bednarek with 9.89 PB brings explosive speed, Jamaican rising star Ackeem Blake, 9.89 PB enjoys home-track advantage, and Trayvon Bromell with a 9.76 PB could shock if fully fit.
Will Bolt Accept the Invitation?
Since retiring in 2017, Bolt has focused on philanthropy, recently pledging $6.1 million to Jamaican schools through his foundation. But could the allure of Grand Slam Track’s revolutionary vision tempt him back, even as a spectator or ambassador?
Michael Johnson’s league is designed to reinvigorate track and field, blending high-stakes competition with entertainment. Usain Bolt’s presence, whether racing or mentoring, would greatly boost the sport.
As the countdown to Kingston Slam 2025 begins, the question remains: Will Usain Bolt answer Norwood’s call? And more importantly, could his legendary records finally be under threat?