The inaugural Grand Slam Track event in Kingston delivered world-leading performances, but sparse crowds have cast doubt on Jamaica’s future as a host for the innovative track series.
Despite standout showings from global stars like Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser and Brazil’s Alison dos Santos, Grand Slam Track Commissioner Michael Johnson remained non-committal about whether the island will remain on the circuit in coming seasons.
The three-day meet at Jamaica’s National Stadium produced no shortage of fireworks on the track. Naser blazed to a world-leading 48.67 in the women’s 400m, dominating a field that included Olympic medalists Marileidy Paulino and Gabby Thomas. Meanwhile, Dos Santos announced his return to peak form with a season-best 47.61 in the men’s 400m hurdles.
Local fans had reason to celebrate as well, with Jamaica’s Danielle Williams claiming victory in the women’s 100m hurdles and securing the $100,000 division prize, the only home athlete to earn a Slam title.
“When we announced Kingston, everyone was excited — the athletes, the fans. Some of the athletes didn’t even want to leave! This was about honoring Jamaica’s rich track and field heritage while modernizing the sport,” Johnson said.
Yet these electrifying performances unfolded before disappointing crowds, raising questions about the event’s viability in Jamaica.
“We’ll evaluate everything after the season ends before making those decisions,” he added. “Right now, we’re focused on this year.”
Multiple factors likely contributed to the low turnout. Ticket pricing emerged as a key hurdle. Scheduling also drew criticism, with early evening start times on weekdays and a 2 p.m. Sunday session conflicting with church services and family routines.
Johnson acknowledged the attendance challenges while emphasizing the engaged energy of those who did attend.
“We’d love to see more spectators, no doubt. But the crowd that was here was fully invested in the competition.”
He also praised the smooth execution of the event itself, noting zero false starts or technical issues, a testament to the league’s operational standards.
Behind the scenes, sources indicate that organizers will closely review Jamaica’s inclusion moving forward, weighing the country’s legendary track heritage against practical considerations like fan engagement and financial sustainability.
The series continues in Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, with pricing and scheduling tweaks aimed at boosting attendance.
Despite the uncertainties, Michael Johnson reiterated his belief in Grand Slam Track’s long-term vision.
“We’ve developed something special here and have seen dramatic finishes, world-class performances, and athletes fully bought into the format.”