Men’s 400m hurdles

Jamaican Roshawn Clarke ran a lifetime best 44.98 seconds over the 400m two weeks ago and could start the Grand Slam as favourite to win the men’s 400m hurdles.

Assine Wilson, also of Jamaica, goes into the meet as the world leader with 48.68 seconds and will hope to make a name for himself against strong competition in the series.

Women’s 200m

Challenger Stacey Williams of Jamaica, known more for her 400m prowess, will be racing over the 200m for the first time in years. She has a lifetime best 36.92 seconds in the 300m.

Alexis Holmes of the United States, also a 400m specialist, ran a personal best 50.51 seconds indoor this season. She has a 36.73 best over 300m.

Men’s 400m

Zandrion Barnes, one of the young Jamaican rising stars, has a season best 44.97 seconds which ranks him fifth in the world. While he is known mostly for his strong relay legs, he could grab some of the attention at Grand Slam Track.

Matthew Hudson-Smith of Great Britain is no stranger to Jamaica after winning at Racers Grand Prix last year. He is coming off back-to-back silver medals at the 2023 World Championships in Hungary and the 2024 Olympics Games in France.

Jereem Richards of Trinidad and Tobago will make his outdoor season debut after running 46.49 seconds indoor. His 300m time of 32.61 seconds says he will be fast in the quarter-mile race.

American Christopher Bailey goes into the meet with the second best time of the year so far after he ran 44.70 seconds. He will head into the meet on the back of winning the 400m gold medal at the World Indoor Championships in China just over two weeks ago.

— Paul A Reid