Track of the Grand Slam: Olympian Thomas kicks off the inaugural event with a 200m victory
The Olympic champion Gabby Thomas won the first race at the inaugural event of the Grand Slam in Kingston, in Jamaica.
The American Thomas, who collected three gold medals at the Paris Olympics last summer, set the rhythm in the 200m, crossing the line in 22.62 seconds.
Marileidy Paulino, the 400 m gold medal of the Dominican Republic of the Dominican Republic, was second with the third of Great Britain Dina Asher-Smith.
“Normally, these first season meet we are only practicing and hearing it,” said Thomas.
“Here … the stakes are high, the pot is enormous and the level of competition is also very high.
“It’s not something we’re really used to in our sport and I think it’s really good.”
The Grand Slam track is a concept conceived by the four -time Olympic champion Michael Johnson in an attempt to maintain attention and excitement Sport generates games every four years.
After the opening event on Friday in Jamaica, there are three other “Slam” that take place in the United States between May and June.
The athletes each present in two events with Thomas even at 400 m on Saturday.
Even the American colleague Sydney McLaughlin -Levrone recorded a comfortable victory in the obstacles of 400m, an event in which he achieved the world record.
McLaughlin-Lavrone, who crossed the line in 52.76 seconds, is on pole to claim $ 100,000 (£ 77,600) offered to the athlete with the best result combined by the obstacles of 400m and 400m.
“I’m just shaking the cobwebs,” said McLaughlin-Lavrone on Peacock’s broadcast.
“Obviously that first always hurts, but I’m happy to be here. Excellent experience.”
Elsewhere, the American Kenny Bednarerk ran a time of 10.07 seconds to beat the Siviglia of Jamaica in the male 100m with the British Zharbel Hughes arriving.
Chris Bailey, world champion of 400 million 400 million recently crowned, has maintained his impressive start for the year, moving Matt Hudson-Smith of Great Britain.
