Rising 100m hurdles star Ackera Nugent and 400m hurdles athlete Roshawn Clarke will join an impressive roster to compete in all four Grand Slam Track events in 2025
Ackera Nugent received recognition from the legendary Michael Johnson. (Photo: Gettyimages)
Jamaican Olympians Ackera Nugent and Roshawn Clarke have officially signed with four-time U.S. Olympic Champion Michael Johnson's new professional platfrom, Grand Slam Track. Both Nugent and Clarke, who showcased their talents at the Paris Olympics, will now compete in all four Grand Slam Track events in 2025.
The 100m hurdles rising star Ackera Nugent, a rising star, holds the 2021 World U20 Championship title and set a Jamaican record of 12.28 seconds at the 2024 Championships. She reached the 100m hurdles final at the Paris Olympics and later lowered her national record to 12.24 seconds at the Rome Golden Gala, becoming the 4th fastest woman in the event's history. Nugent's rapid progression has established her as one of Jamaica's top young talents in the hurdles.
“For me, it’s all about growth,” shared Nugent. “I’m constantly looking for ways to get better, and Grand Slam Track gives me the platform to do just that. Racing at this level, over and over, against the best in the world, is what I’ve always wanted, and I’m ready to see how much more I can achieve.”
20-year-old, Roshawn Clarke has also made his impact in the 400m hurdles. He set a world U20 record of 47.34 seconds at the 2023 World Championships and reached the final at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“Ackera and Roshawn are incredible talents who have achieved major success at such a young age,” said legendary athlete Michael Johnson, the league’s founder and Commissioner. “Both of them have already made their mark on the global stage, and I’m excited to see how they continue to grow in Grand Slam Track™. They represent the next generation of world-class Jamaican competitors, and I know they’re going to bring something special to the league.”
“I’m ready to jump into this and compete against the best while testing myself. This league gives me that chance. Racing in all four Slams means I’ll have the opportunity to show what I can really do,” added Clarke.
Nugent and Clarke join an impressive roster of top atheltes that includes 400m hurdles world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Melissa Jefferson, Masai Russell, Quincy Hall, Fred Kerley, Kenny Bednarek, Cole Hocker, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, Alison Dos Santos, and many others. These athletes will compete in Grand Slam Track's four events throughout 2025, with a total prize pool of $12.6 million. The winner of each group will take home $100,000, while even the 8th place finisher will earn $10,000, making this league highly rewarding at all levels of competition.
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