The American sprinters will race each other on four occasions next season at Michael Johnsonās 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 āRacers,ā 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 team-mates Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Cole Hocker, Yared Nuguse, plus Great Britainās Josh Kerr as the first six of 48 Racers to be announced.
āThis is a great day for Grand Slam Track,ā said Michael Johnson, the leagueās founder and Commissioner. āWeāve been saying GST is for āonly the fastest,ā and bringing Fred and Kenny into the fold is exemplary of that fact.
āThese two electrify every time they step onto the track, and I canāt wait to see them entertain thousands of fans at each of our Slams, and millions more watching around the world. Iām 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.ā
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 on to the Olympic stage in Tokyo, earning a silver medal in the 100m behind Italyās 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 team-mate Noah Lyles taking gold and Jamaicaās 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.
āWhen I first heard about Grand Slam Track, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of,ā said Kerley. āI love competing and think the fans will really enjoy this new track format.
āThe 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. Iām excited to be part of Grand Slam Track.ā
Kenny Bednarek (Getty)
Bednarek, meanwhile, is a two-time Olympic silver medallist and 2022 world runner-up in the 200m.
Having began his career as a 400m runner, the 25-year-old transitioned to focus on the 200m, and has since ran a personal best of 19.59 at the 2024 US Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon.
Bednarek followed that up with his stellar performance in Paris, finishing ahead of Noah Lyles to claim silver.
āThe Grand Slam League is a great initiative by Michael Johnson,ā said Bednarek. āItās an incredible opportunity to compete at the highest level with some of the best athletes in the sport.
āI love the head to head concept, emphasis on storytelling, showcasing personalities and a good opportunity for athletes to feature their talent. This league brings a fresh perspective to track and field.
āIām looking forward to testing my limits, improving my performance, and putting on a show for the fans. Itās going to be exciting for all those watching and participating.ā
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