The first of the Michael Johnson Grand Slam track and field series is set to begin in Kingston at the National Stadium in just weeks. Don Lockerby, the venue director for the series, is heavily involved in preparing the venue and revealed how the new track colors came about.
The vibrant colors of the newly retopped track are inspired by the Jamaica flag. Lockerby proposed the idea after seeing the colors on the old scoreboard, believing they would look amazing on a running track. Lockerby then figured out how to incorporate the gold and black of the Jamaican flag into the design.
Champs, First Event
The completion of the track was a priority to ensure it would be ready for the Boys and Girls Championships (Champs). The track has been retopped by Recron, the oldest running track company. As of Lockerby’s interview with the Jamaican media, the track was effectively finished, with minor tasks remaining. It requires a 10-day curing period after a football match at the venue on Thursday, the 13th.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony and handover of the track is scheduled for March, the 24th, the day before Champs.
Next event on the new track will be the Michael Johnson Grand Slam event that boasts significant prize money. The winner of every race will receive US$50,000. With four “slams” planned and athletes competing in two races per weekend, there’s a substantial earning potential. Even eighth place yields some prize money. This level of prize money is intended to be a major incentive and to highlight the growing professional opportunities within track and field for young athletes in Jamaica.
Athletes Contracted to Compete
The Grand Slam series has contracted 48 athletes (24 men and 24 women) who are obligated to compete in two races per weekend. While Lockerby, as the venue director, was hesitant to name specific athletes to avoid implying any are “better” than others, he mentioned several prominent athletes expected to participate in early April: Americans Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Melissa Jefferson, Masai Russell, Quincy Hall, Fred Kerley, and Kenny Bednarek; Brazilian Alis Santos, and Trinidadian Jereem Richards.
Additionally, Canadian Marco Arop is expected to compete in either the 1500m or the mile. In an exciting development, the top eight fastest boys and girls 100m, 200m, and 400m runners from Champs will be invited to participate in the Grand Slam event the week after Champs, with incentives and support planned.
World Athletics Certification
There has been recent discussion regarding the World Athletics certification of the National Stadium track, and Lockerby clarified that the track was certified as a Class One track in 2021 and remains so until the five-year mark in September 2026, when reclassification will be necessary.
The recent resurfacing should enhance the facility. The lines on the track are certified, ensuring that any records achieved will be recognized. An engineering report will be submitted to World Athletics to confirm the track meets their standards for lane lines and accuracy.
Lockerby also addressed reports of a potential downgrade to Category 2, explaining that the classification system is evolving. There is now a “construction classification” that considers factors beyond just the running surface, such as lighting, audio systems, locker rooms, and doping control. For future Class One certification, modifications like removing the cycle track and adding more long jump runways might be required. Class One certification is typically for major events such as the Olympics, World Championships, and Diamond League meets.
It was noted that Grand Slam Track suggested the track relaying after an independent assessment indicated the previous four-year-old track did not meet current World Athletics surfacing standards. Another independent assessment commissioned by the previous contractor showed a different result, but Grand Slam Track proceeded with the resurfacing and covered most of the cost, exceeding the US$350,000 indicated by the Sports Minister of Jamaica. Lockerby expressed excitement about the potential for the National Stadium to become one of the top track and field facilities in the Western Hemisphere following planned renovations. Check out this discussion between two track and field experts: