Olympic Medalists Fred Kerley, Kenny Bednarek Sign With Grand Slam Track
Olympic Medalists Fred Kerley, Kenny Bednarek Sign With Grand Slam Track
U.S. stars Fred Kerley and Kenny Bednarek become the first male sprinters to sign with Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track League.
Two of the U.S.'s biggest sprint stars are headed to Grand Slam Track in 2025.
On Thursday morning, Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track League announced the signings of Paris Olympic men's 100m bronze medalist Fred Kerley and men's 200m silver medalist Kenny Bednarek as the next athletes to join the league beginning next year.
They are the fifth and sixth athletes to sign with the newly-formed track league as Racers, joining a star-studded list that includes Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Josh Kerr, Cole Hocker and Yared Nuguse.
Kerley, who grew up in Taylor, Texas, starred at South Plains College and Texas A&M, winning four NCAA during his career with the Aggies. He has since won two Olympic 100m medals -- his bronze in Paris and silver at the 2020 Tokyo Games -- along with gold in the 100m at the 2022 World Championships and bronze in the 400m in Doha at the 2019 World Championships.
"When I first heard about Grand Slam Track, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of," said Kerley in a statement. "I love competing and think the fans will really enjoy this new Track format."
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Bednarek has taken a similar route to success as Kerley, finding his start at Indian Hills Community College and turning pro in 2019. He owns silver medals in the 200m from both the Paris and Tokyo Olympics, and Bednarek also took silver in the event at the 2022 World Championships.
"I love the head to head concept, emphasis on storytelling, showcasing personalities and a good opportunity for athletes to feature their talent," said Bednarek in a provided statement.
What Is Grand Slam Track?
Grand Slam Track, created by four-time Olympic gold medalist Johnson, will feature four track events -- AKA Slams -- in 2025 where signed Racers and appearing Challengers will compete head-to-head in two events over the two-days Slams. Racers, including Kerley and Bednarek, will receive base compensation for competing in each Slam and can earn additional prize money based on their performances.
96 total athletes -- 48 Racers and 48 Challengers -- will compete in each Slam. Grand Slam has a reported prize pot of $12.6 million and the Category winners of Slam will win $100,000.
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