American sprinters will compete against each other four times next season in Michael Johnson’s new track league
Olympic 200m silver medalist Kenny Bednarek and 100m bronze medalist Fred Curley have signed up as 2025 Grand Slam runners.
The new league, founded by Michael Johnson, will hold four annual Slams in major cities around the world. The athletes, known as ‘Racers’, will be tasked with competing in two events during each Slam, and as renowned sprinters, the pair are expected to compete in the 100m and 200m events.
The pair join their US teammates Sidney McLaughlin-LeVron, Cole Hawker, Jared Nugus, plus Britain’s Josh Kerr as the top six of the 48 racers entered.
READ MORE. Michael Johnson kicks off the Grand Slam Track League
“This is a great day for the Grand Slam circuit,” said league founder and commissioner Michael Johnson. “We’ve been saying that GST is ‘only for the fastest’ and bringing in Fred and Kenny is an example of that fact.
“These two are electrifying every time they step out on the runway, and I can’t wait to see them entertain thousands of fans at our Slams and millions more watching around the world. I am delighted to add two more great sprinters to our racing roster and am already looking forward to their first Grand Slam Track appearances next year.”
Fred Curley (Getty)
Curley rose to the spotlight at the 2017 NCAA Championships, where she did an indoor/outdoor double, securing national titles in the 400m and 4x400m in both meets.
In 2021, the 29-year-old player stepped onto the Olympic stage in Tokyo, losing the silver medal to Italian Marcelle Jacobs in the 100m race. In 2022, he became the world champion in the 100 meters in Eugene, where he recorded a new personal best of 9.76.
He recently added bronze to his collection in the 100m at the Paris Olympics, with US teammate Noah Lyles winning gold and Jamaica’s Kishan Thomson securing silver.
Curley is the only person in history to run under 9.80 seconds in the 100m, under 19.80 seconds in the 200m and under 43.80 seconds in the 400m.
“When I first heard about Grand Slam Track, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of,” Kerley said. “I love racing and I think the fans will really enjoy this new Track format.
“Fans will regularly see the best racing against each other and we have a platform to showcase our talents and continue to build our fan base around the world. I’m excited to be part of the Grand Slam circuit.”
Kenny Bednarek (Getty)
Meanwhile, Bednarek is a two-time Olympic silver medalist and 2022 world runner-up in the 200m.
Starting his career as a 400m runner, the 25-year-old focused on the 200m and has since set a personal best of 19.59 at the 2024 US Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon.
Bednarek followed that up with a stellar performance in Paris, finishing ahead of Noah Lyles to win the silver medal.
“The Grand Slam League is a great initiative by Michael Johnson,” Bednarek said. “This is an incredible opportunity to compete at the highest level with the best athletes in the sport.
“I love the head-to-head concept, the emphasis on storytelling, showcasing personalities and a good opportunity for athletes to showcase their talent. This league brings a fresh perspective to track and field.
“I’m looking forward to testing my limits, improving my performance and putting on a show for the fans. It will be exciting for all who watch and participate.”
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