Quincy Hall and Matthew Hudson-Smith are the latest additions to Grand Slam Track, with the league announcing on Thursday that the entire men’s 400m podium from the Paris Olympics is signed to run in 2025.
Hall grabbed the gold in 43.40, while Hudson-Smith took silver (43.44) and Muzala Samukonga taking bronze (43.74) in August at the Paris Games.
Samukonga already signed to track legend Michael Johnson’s in September and the addition of Hall and Hudson-Smith means the trio is guaranteed to go head-to-head at least four times next year.
“Quincy and Matthew are fantastic additions to Grand Slam Track,” Johnson said in statement. “They’ve both had incredible seasons, especially with their performances in Paris, and it’s clear they’re at the top of their game. What we’re building here is all about bringing together the best athletes from around the world and creating real competition that fans can get behind. Quincy and Matthew are the kind of racers who can elevate any event, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what they bring to the table in our inaugural season.”
These signings bolster a growing Grand Slam Track roster of “Racers” and “Challengers” with the league promising a significant boost in prize payouts, engaging matchups — but no field events — and a commitment that its top talent will appear at all four of the scheduled events.
“This is a great opportunity with Grand Slam Track,” Hall said in a statement. “Winning gold in Paris was a huge moment for me, but I’m always looking for the next challenge, and this league is giving us something new. I love the idea of a league that’s focused on racing head-to-head against the best in the world, and this gives us a new platform to do that. I know there’s a lot more I can do, and I’m ready to see how far I can push myself in this league.”
According to Johnson, the league has set aside $12.6 million for athletes and the winner of individual events will receive $100,000 in prize money, while the 8th place competitor will get $10,000.
“I’ve been racing for a long time, and what really stands out to me about Grand Slam Track is the chance to approach the sport from a new angle,” Hudson-Smith said in a statement. “I’ve had success on the world stage, but this league creates a new opportunity to compete in a different way. I’m ready to bring my experience, keep improving, and race alongside some of the best athletes in the world. It’s a great time for track, and I’m glad to be part of it.”
Hall and Hudson-Smith join other top names in the sport like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Fred Kerley, Kenny Bednarek, Cole Hocker, Yared Nuguse, Josh Kerr and Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, who have all signed with the league in recent months.
