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Monday, December 23, 2024

Fisher and Quemoy become first ‘distance runners’ on Grand Slam circuit



The Olympic 5000m medalists join Michael Johnson in the new event along with world 1500m silver medalist Nicky Hiltz.

Grant Fisher and Ronald Quemoy, who both stood on the Paris Olympic 5000m podium, have signed up for the Grand Slam circuit.

The duo finished behind Jakob Ingebrigtsen in the French capital to take bronze and silver respectively.

Both Fisher and Kwemoy will compete over 3000m and 5000m on the Grand Slam circuit and are the first distance athletes to join Michael Johnson in the event so far.

Fisher, who also secured an Olympic 10,000m bronze medal to her collection over the summer, is the US record holder in both the 3,000m and 5,000m, with personal bests of 7:25.27 and 12:46.96, respectively.

The 27-year-old is also the US 5,000m champion and earned NCAA Division I All-American recognition an incredible 11 times during his collegiate career.

Ronald Quemoy, Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Grant Fisher (Getty)

“I’m excited to be a part of the Grand Slam circuit, which I believe is the future of our sport,” said Fisher. “Looking ahead to 2025, the opportunity to compete against the world’s fastest men in four top-level Slams represents a major shift for track and field.

“Building on the momentum from the Olympics, this gives us racers an exciting opportunity to compete on a regular basis with big prizes and bragging rights. I can’t wait to hit the track next year and see who really is the best.”

Quemoy is sure to challenge Fischer in the race and enjoyed the biggest moment of his career so far in Paris, winning Olympic 5000m silver at the Stade de France.

The 29-year-old is a former 1500m runner and not only secured Commonwealth silver in the metric mile at Glasgow 2014, but also still holds the under-20 record of 3:28.81.

The Kenyan previously stepped up to the 5000m in 2016 and clocked 13:02.56 over 12 and a half laps.

“I am very excited to be the first athlete to represent my country, Kenya, at a Grand Slam,” said Kwemoi. “I want to continue to test myself against the best runners in the world, and the Grand Slam circuit is the perfect stage for that.

“This league is a great project to be a part of and it will be very exciting when the Slams start next year.”

Nikki Hiltz (Getty)

Meanwhile, Nicky Hiltz is the latest 800m/1500m signing and says it was a “no brainer” to join the Grand Slam track.

The 29-year-old enjoyed a standout season that included a world indoor 1500m silver medal, home turf glory at the distance at the USATF Championships and a seventh-place finish at the Olympics.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of the Grand Slam circuit,” Hiltz said. “Being able to compete in elite matches like these Slams is a big step forward for us as athletes and I’m sure the fans will love the concept.

“Michael (Johnson) explained the vision to me and it was clear that it was a no-brainer to get involved. I can’t wait to get started.”

That means 18 athletes have now signed up for the Grand Slam circuit, joined by Grant Fisher, Ronald Quemoy and Nicky Hiltz. Matthew Hudson-Smith, Quincy Hall, Alison Dos Santos, Muzala Samukonga, Clement Ducos, Masai Russell, Sirena Samba-Mayela, Jasmine Camacho-QuinnSydney McLaughlin-Levron, Melissa Jefferson, Fred Curley, Kenny BednarekCole Hawker, Jared Nugus, and Josh Kerr.

All of these athletes will be Racers, meaning they compete in all four Slams and receive an annual base compensation for competing in each, as well as being eligible for full prize money.

The Grand Slam Track will feature 48 racers and Challengers. They will be assigned to compete in one of the following categories and will compete in two events during each Slam: Short Sprint (100m/200m), Short Hurdles (100m Hurdles or 110m Hurdles/100m), Long Sprint (200m/400m), Long Hurdles (400m Hurdles/400m). , short distance (800m/1500m) or long distance (3000m/5000m).

Michael Johnson (Grand Slam)

“We continue to add top talent to our Grand Slam Track roster,” said league founder and commissioner Michael Johnson. “With Nikki, Grant and Ronald, we’re guaranteed elite performance and great personalities, and we’re delighted to officially welcome them all to the Grand Slam Track family.

“Nicky is the cornerstone of the 1500m circuit and Grant and Ronald know each other very well after their incredibly close finish in the 5000m in Paris.

“I’m sure track fans around the world will be thrilled to know they can see these competitors on the track four times a year at the Grand Slam Track.”

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The post Fisher and Quemoy become first ‘distance runners’ on Grand Slam circuit appeared first AW:.



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