Grand Slam Track: Sha'Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles absent as Gabby Thomas joins elite list signed to inaugural league

Three-time Olympic champion Gabby Thomas has joined the elite list of athletes signed to the inaugural Grand Slam Track (GST) league, as US sprint champions Sha'Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles are yet to be confirmed.

The $30m new track competition created by legendary sprinter Michael Johnson is scheduled to hold from April to September 2025, kicking off with four meets, also known as 'Slam's' with $12.6 million available in prize money.

As confirmed by the organisers, 96 athletes will be involved - 48 as Grand Slam Track (GST) Racers and 48 GST Challengers. 38 of the 48 GST Racers are signed, Thomas being the latest, announced on the league's X page.

"My official Grand Slam contract to be a Racer in the Grand Slam Track League," said the Paris Olympic 200m gold medallist in the announcement video.

With four host cities confirmed, top elite athletes such as US hurdling queen Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Olympic 400m champion Quincy Hall are signed up, with a prize fund of $12.6m on offer.

McLaughlin-Levrone was the first athlete to sign, and all GST Racers will receive an annual base compensation for racing in the events, with eligibility to earn additional prize monies.

National Stadium Jamaica will host GST's first Slam from April 4th - 6th, Miramar/Miami, Florida is the second host city at the Ansin Sports Complex from May 2nd - 4th, Philadelphia from May 30th - June 1st, and Los Angeles the final Slam city from June 27th - 29th.