The American sprinters will race one another on 4 events subsequent season at Michael Johnson’s new observe league
Olympic 200m silver medallist Kenny Bednarek and 100m bronze medalist Fred Kerley have signed on as Grand Slam Observe Racers for 2025.
The brand new league, based by Michael Johnson, will host 4 annual Slams in main cities around the globe. Athletes, often called ‘Racers,’ might be assigned to compete in two occasions throughout every Slam, and as celebrated sprinters, the pair are anticipated to compete throughout the 100m and 200m.
The pair be part of their Crew USA teammates Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Cole Hocker, Yared Nuguse, plus Nice Britain’s Josh Kerr as the primary six of 48 Racers to be introduced.
READ MORE: Michael Johnson launches Grand Slam Observe League
“This can be a nice day for Grand Slam Observe,” mentioned Michael Johnson, the league’s founder and Commissioner. “We’ve been saying GST is for “solely the quickest,” and bringing Fred and Kenny into the fold is exemplary of that truth.
“These two electrify each time they step onto the observe, and I can’t wait to see them entertain hundreds of followers at every of our Slams, and thousands and thousands extra watching around the globe. I’m delighted so as to add two extra wonderful sprinters to our roster of Racers, and am already anticipating their first appearances in Grand Slam Observe subsequent yr.”
Fred Kerley (Getty)
Kerley got here into the highlight on the 2017 NCAA Championships the place he did the indoors/out of doors double, securing nationwide titles in each the 400m and 4x400m at each meets.
In 2021, the 29-year-old stepped onto the Olympic stage in Tokyo, incomes a silver medal within the 100m behind Italy’s Marcell Jacobs. In 2022, he turned the 100m world champion in Eugene the place he clocked a brand new private better of 9.76.
Most not too long ago, he added a bronze to his assortment within the 100m on the Paris Olympic Video games, with Crew USA teammate Noah Lyles taking gold and Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson securing silver.
Kerley is the one particular person in historical past to run sub-9.80 seconds within the 100m, sub-19.80 seconds within the 200m, and sub-43.80 seconds within the 400m.
“After I first heard about Grand Slam Observe, I knew it was one thing I wished to be a part of,” mentioned Kerley. “I really like competing and suppose the followers will actually take pleasure in this new Observe format.
“The followers will get to see the perfect of the perfect race towards one another usually and we’ve a platform to showcase our skills and proceed constructing our fanbase all around the globe. I’m excited to be a part of Grand Slam Observe.”
Kenny Bednarek (Getty)
Bednarek, in the meantime, is a two-time Olympic silver medallist, and 2022 world runner up, within the 200m.
Having started his profession as a 400m runner, the 25-year-old transitioned to concentrate on the 200m, and has since ran a private better of 19.59 on the 2024 US Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon.
Bednarek adopted that up along with his stellar efficiency in Paris, ending forward of Noah Lyles to say silver.
“The Grand Slam League is a superb initiative by Michael Johnson,” mentioned Bednarek. “It’s an unbelievable alternative to compete on the highest stage with among the greatest athletes within the sport.
“I really like the face to face idea, emphasis on storytelling, showcasing personalities and a very good alternative for athletes to characteristic their expertise. This league brings a recent perspective to trace and subject.
“I’m wanting ahead to testing my limits, bettering my efficiency, and placing on a present for the followers. It’s going to be thrilling for all these watching and collaborating.”
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