Grand Slam Track has officially announced the full lineup of challengers for the upcoming meeting in Philadelphia, taking place May 31–June 1. This edition will feature an expanded roster of challengers to help fill the void left by several signed racers absences due to injury, including Devon Allen, Masai Russell, Roshawn Clarke, Cyréna Samba-Mayela, Oblique Seville, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, and Luis Grijalva. Additionally, signed racer Fred Kerley is currently suspended pending legal proceedings.

While every challenger is set to bring excitement to the track, here are four standout athletes who are especially worth watching as they make their Grand Slam debuts or return in spectacular form:

Jadyn Mays (Short Sprints)

The former Oregon Duck makes her Grand Slam debut in Philadelphia. Known for her explosive start and high turnover, Mays is always a crowd-pleaser. In her final season of collegiate eligibility, she captured the Big Ten indoor title in the 200m and finished as the runner-up in both the 60m and 200m at the NCAA Indoor Championships.

Tia Jones (Short Hurdles)

Returning from an ACL tear, Tia Jones has stormed back into form. Since her surprise entry and victory at Grand Slam Kingston—where she delivered a world-leading performance in the 100m hurdles—she’s become a consistent standout. At Grand Slam Miami, Jones ran the third-fastest time in history (12.19), trailing only Masai Russell’s 12.17. Philly marks her third consecutive Grand Slam appearance, and expectations are high.

Christian Coleman (Short Sprints)

World-class sprinter Christian Coleman makes his Grand Slam debut in Philly. The 2019 World Champion in the 100m, Coleman brings elite pedigree and experience to the field. After competing in a few Diamond League meets this season, he appears to be sharpening his form. With a season’s best of 10.06 in the 100m, all eyes will be on how the former world leader performs against a deep and talented short sprint group.

Graham Blanks (Long Distance)

Also debuting in the Grand Slam series is Graham Blanks. Now representing New Balance, Blanks is adjusting to life as a professional after a highly successful collegiate career. His 2025 season has been about adapting to the professional schedule and competition level, and Philly will provide a valuable test. Both Blanks and his coach, Alex Gibby (who has continued to work with him after their successful partnership at Harvard) have emphasized how much they value the autonomy and control they now have in scheduling his races. The professional circuit allows them to be more selective and intentional with his racing schedule, which they believe is essential for his long-term development.

Complete List of Challengers:

Men’s Short Sprints

• Christian Miller
• Christian Coleman
• Bryan Levell
• Udodi Onwuzurike
• Aaron Brown

Women’s Short Sprints

• Tamari Davis
• Thelma Davies
• Dina Asher-Smith
• Jadyn Mays

Men’s Long Sprints

• Jevaughn Powell
• Alexander Ogando
• Khaleb McRae
• Matthew Boling

Women’s Long Sprints

• Isabella Whittaker
• Laviai Nielsen
• Jessika Gbai
• Sharlene Mawdsley

Men’s Short Hurdles

• Trey Cunningham
• Jakub Szymański
• Lorenzo Simonelli
• Cordell Tinch
• Jamal Britt

Women’s Short Hurdles

• Danielle Williams
• Ditaji Kambundji
• Tia Jones
• Christina Clemons
• Tonea Marshall
• Megan Tapper

Men’s Long Hurdles

• Trevor Bassitt
• Chris Robinson
• CJ Allen
• Assinie Wilson
• Gerald Drummond

Women’s Long Hurdles

• Lina Nielsen
• Dalilah Muhammad
• Ayomide Folorunso
• Anna Cockrell
• Andrenette Knight

Men’s Short Distance

• Hobbs Kessler
• Josh Hoey
• Elliot Giles
• Samuel Chapple

Women’s Short Distance

• Georgia Hunter Bell
• Nia Akins
• Abbey Caldwell
• Addy Wiley

Men’s Long Distance

• Graham Blanks
• Nico Young
• Ky Robinson
• Edwin Kurgat
• Andrew Coscoran

Women’s Long Distance

• Ejgayehu Taye
• Weini Kelati
• Medina Eisa
• Josette Andrews