The American sprinters will race each other on four occasions next season at Michael Johnson’s new track league
Olympic 200m silver medallist Kenny Bednarek and 100m bronze medalist Fred Kerley have signed on as Grand Slam Track Racers for 2025.
The new league, founded by Michael Johnson, will host four annual Slams in major cities around the world. Athletes, known as ‘Racers,’ will be assigned to compete in two events during each Slam, and as celebrated sprinters, the pair are expected to compete across the 100m and 200m.
The pair join their Team USA teammates Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Cole Hocker, Yared Nuguse, plus Great Britain’s Josh Kerr as the first six of 48 Racers to be announced.
“This is a great day for Grand Slam Track,” said Michael Johnson, the league’s founder and Commissioner. “We’ve been saying GST is for “only the fastest,” and bringing Fred and Kenny into the fold is exemplary of that fact.
“These two electrify every time they step onto the track, and I can’t wait to see them entertain thousands of fans at each of our Slams, and millions more watching around the world. I’m delighted to add two more excellent sprinters to our roster of Racers, and am already anticipating their first appearances in Grand Slam Track next year.”
Fred Kerley (Getty)
Kerley came into the spotlight at the 2017 NCAA Championships where he did the indoors/outdoor double, securing national titles in both the 400m and 4x400m at both meets.
In 2021, the 29-year-old stepped onto the Olympic stage in Tokyo, earning a silver medal in the 100m behind Italy’s Marcell Jacobs. In 2022, he became the 100m world champion in Eugene where he clocked a new personal best of 9.76.
Most recently, he added a bronze to his collection in the 100m at the Paris Olympic Games, with Team USA teammate Noah Lyles taking gold and Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson securing silver.
Kerley is the only person in history to run sub-9.80 seconds in the 100m, sub-19.80 seconds in the 200m, and sub-43.80 seconds in the 400m.
“When I first heard about Grand Slam Track, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of,” said Kerley. “I love competing and think the fans will really enjoy this new Track format.
“The fans will get to see the best of the best race against each other regularly and we have a platform to showcase our talents and continue building our fanbase all around the world. I’m excited to be part of…
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