Jamaican 400m hurdler Rushell Clayton expressed enthusiasm for the Grand Slam Track series, highlighting its substantial prize money totaling US$12.5 million. Winners will receive US$100,000, a rare accomplishment in the sport. The competition features elite athletes including Clayton, Dalilah Muhammed, and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, promising an exciting series ahead.
On April 3, 2025, Jamaican 400m hurdler Rushell Clayton expressed her excitement during a media session in Kingston ahead of the inaugural Grand Slam Track series. Clayton, who will compete in both the 400m hurdles on Friday and the flat 400m on Sunday, highlighted that winners after the four-meet series will be determined by accumulated points.
The Grand Slam series features a remarkable total of US$12.5 million in prize money, with winners receiving US$100,000 and subsequent placements earning amounts ranging down to US$10,000 for eighth place. Clayton, who is one of the foremost hurdlers globally with a personal best of 52.81, was joined by renowned athletes Dalilah Muhammed and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone during the briefing.
Clayton remarked on the unprecedented prize amounts, noting, “A hundred thousand dollars we’ve never gotten unless you were Dalilah and you broke the world record.” This comment elicited a positive reaction from Muhammed, who has previously set world records in the 400m hurdles.
Throughout the series, Clayton will face formidable competitors, including both Muhammed, a former world record holder, and McLaughlin-Levrone, the current world record holder. The lane assignments for the hurdle event feature Clayton in lane 5, alongside top athletes such as Muhammed and McLaughlin-Levrone.
The lane assignments for the 400m on Sunday place Clayton in lane 6, demonstrating her continued prominence in track and field. “So, for it to be four slams, a $100,000 to win, that is truly amazing and I’m looking forward just to competing and seeing where I get from there,” Clayton concluded.
In summary, Rushell Clayton’s enthusiasm for the upcoming Grand Slam Track series is evident, particularly regarding the substantial prize money available. The competition promises to be fierce, featuring exceptional talent, including Clayton herself, Dalilah Muhammed, and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. With a total prize pool of US$12.5 million, this series could significantly impact the participants’ careers in athletics.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
