The Miami Grand Slam Track Meet delivered thrilling competition and surprising outcomes, revealing the intense pressure athletes face in this new professional circuit. While some top stars stumbled, emerging talents seized the moment, captivating fans with their resilience and skill.
Kenny Bednarek dominated the men’s 200 meters, blazing a world-leading 19.84 seconds to claim his fourth consecutive Grand Slam victory in 2025. His performance solidified his status as one of the season’s most consistent sprinters. On the other hand, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone also impressed, defending her 400m hurdles title with a world-leading time, demonstrating remarkable consistency and mental toughness.
In the distance events, Grant Fisher asserted his dominance by winning the men’s 5000 meters by nearly six seconds, showcasing his endurance and strategic racing. Meanwhile, Mary Moraa overcame earlier struggles in the series to win the women’s 800 meters in Miami with a time of 1:59.51. Despite her victory, Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu secured the overall Grand Slam title for the event, signalling a fierce competition throughout the season.
Why Some Big Stars Flawed at Miami Grand Slam Track Meet
However, the meeting also exposed vulnerabilities among some of the sport’s biggest names.
Gabby Thomas, a favourite in the 200 meters, admitted she had not found her best form earlier in the series despite winning in Miami. Josh Kerr, returning from injury and illness, showed flashes of brilliance in middle-distance events but fell short of dominating as expected.
The absence of marquee sprinters such as Noah Lyles, Sha’Carri Richardson, Shericka Jackson, and Kishane Thompson further impacted the meet’s star power. Their absence left fans eager for more head-to-head battles among the top-tier athletes.
The Miami Grand Slam Track Meet underscored the demanding nature of this new league, which requires athletes to maintain peak performance across multiple high-stakes venues. It tested their physical endurance, mental toughness, and ability to adapt under pressure. As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on these athletes to see who can rise to the challenge and who might continue to struggle.
Ultimately, Miami reminded the sports world that greatness in track and field is never guaranteed. It takes grit, health, and resilience to succeed-and even the biggest stars must fight hard to stay on top.
