Why Ronald Kwemoi is looking forward to the inaugural Grand Slam Track

Olympic 5,000m silver medallist Ronald Kwemoi is excited to test his mettle against the world’s best athletes in the upcoming inaugural Grand Slam Track, a groundbreaking professional track and field league set to debut in 2025.

As one of the first Kenyan athletes confirmed for the event, Kwemoi looks forward to sharpening his skills ahead of a competitive 2025 season.

“I want to continue testing myself against the best runners in the world. Grand Slam Track is the perfect stage for me to do that,” Kwemoi said as per The Star.

The Grand Slam Track, announced by legendary sprinter Michael Johnson in February 2024, aims to elevate track and field with its innovative format.

The competition will run from April to September 2025 and will feature four events across multiple cities, including Los Angeles, another U.S. city, and two international destinations. Each event will have six categories for men and women, and athletes will compete in two disciplines over a weekend.

The points system mirrors that of the Wanda Diamond League, awarding points from first to eighth place.

Kwemoi has already committed to the league, which has attracted some of the biggest names in athletics. Among those competing are 200m silver medallist Kenny Bednarek, 100m bronze medalist Fred Kerley, 400m champion Quincy Hall, and sprint stars like Mathew Hudson-Smith and Muzala Samukonga.

The middle-distance lineup includes Olympic 1,500m medalists Cole Hocker, Yared Nuguse, and Josh Kerr, while Olympic 5,000m bronze medalist Grant Fisher adds depth to the distance category.

On the women’s side, the roster is headlined by 400m hurdles world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and 100m hurdles champion Masai Russell.

With the competition set to feature both “Grand Slam Racers,” the top-ranked athletes, and “Challengers” seeking to earn elite status, the Grand Slam Track will offer a unique opportunity for up-and-coming talents to break through.

Eight competitors per category will take part in each event, with overall winners pocketing Sh12.9 million, followed by Sh6.5 million for second place and Sh3.8 million for third.

“I am excited to be the first athlete representing Kenya at the Grand Slam Track,” Kwemoi concluded.