Tobi Amusan’s Absence and McLaughlin-Levrone’s Debut Highlight the 2024 Philadelphia Grand Slam Track Meet
The world of track and field is buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming Grand Slam Track meet in Philadelphia, scheduled for May 31st and June 1st. This prestigious competition, held at the historic Franklin Field at the University of Pennsylvania, marks the third leg of the four-meet Grand Slam tour, following previous events in Kingston, Jamaica, and Miami, Florida. While the meet promises a thrilling display of athletic prowess, it will notably be missing one of its star attractions: reigning world champion and record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan. Fresh off a meet record and season’s best performance at the Rabat Diamond League in Morocco, Amusan’s absence leaves a void in the competition but simultaneously opens the door for other contenders to seize the spotlight.
Amusan’s decision to skip the Philadelphia meet comes on the heels of her recent triumph in Rabat, where she clocked an impressive 12.45 seconds, surpassing the previous meet record of 12.51 seconds set by American Brianna McNeal in 2018. This victory marked a significant rebound for Amusan, who had previously finished fourth in both the Xiamen and Shanghai Diamond League events earlier in the season. While her absence in Philadelphia is undoubtedly a loss for the competition, it also presents an opportunity for other athletes to step up and challenge for the top spot.
The women’s 100m hurdles event in Philadelphia is poised to be a spectacle nonetheless, with the highly anticipated debut of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone in the short hurdles. McLaughlin-Levrone, a dominant force in the 400m hurdles, where she holds the world record, is making a strategic shift to the shorter distance, adding an element of intrigue and excitement to the competition. This will be her first official 100m hurdles race since 2018, when she clocked a wind-assisted time of 11.07 seconds during her freshman year at the University of Kentucky. The Olympic champion’s foray into the shorter distance will be a major test of her speed and agility, and fans are eager to witness her performance against a strong field of competitors.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s entry into the 100m hurdles sets the stage for a captivating showdown with several accomplished hurdlers. Among her main rivals is Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent, victor of the Miami Grand Slam meet. Nugent will be looking to maintain her winning streak against the formidable McLaughlin-Levrone in what promises to be a thrilling head-to-head battle. Adding to the mix is another Jamaican athlete, Danielle Williams, who delivered a surprise victory in Kingston and could potentially upset the favorites once again in Philadelphia.
The absence of American star Masai Russell, who recently set a new US record of 12.17 seconds in Miami but is sidelined due to injury, along with the absence of French hurdler Cyréna Samba-Mayela, further alters the dynamics of the competition. Their absence, while unfortunate, creates an opening for other athletes to make their mark. Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji, the European indoor 60m hurdles champion and world indoor silver medalist, emerges as a potential dark horse, ready to challenge the established contenders. A strong supporting cast, including Megan Tapper, Tia Jones, Christina Clemons, and Tonea Marshall, adds depth to the field, ensuring a fiercely contested race.
Beyond the women’s 100m hurdles, the Philadelphia Grand Slam Track meet boasts a compelling lineup of events and athletes. Making his Grand Slam debut is veteran American sprinter and former world champion Christian Coleman, adding another layer of star power to the competition. Coleman’s presence, along with the exciting mix of established stars and rising talents, guarantees a weekend of high-octane track and field action, captivating fans and showcasing the best of the sport. The Philadelphia meet promises to be a pivotal moment in the 2024 track and field season, with athletes eager to prove themselves and solidify their standing in the world rankings.
