Mary Moraa leads six Kenyan athletes participating in the inaugural Kingston Slam in Jamaica from April 4 to April 6, 2025. The event features a record Ksh1.6 billion prize, the largest in athletics history. Athletes will earn points from two races, with the highest overall points winning KSh 12 million. Michael Johnson established this innovative competition to improve athlete compensation.
Mary Moraa, a distinguished 800-meter runner from Kenya, is among six Kenyan athletes selected to compete in the inaugural Kingston Slam scheduled for April 4 to April 6, 2025, at the National Stadium in Jamaica. This event presents a historic opportunity with a prize purse of Ksh1.6 billion (USD 12.6 million), marking it as the largest ever awarded in an athletics competition.
The Kingston Slam will feature a total of 96 athletes, divided into 48 contracted ‘Racers’ and 48 ‘Challengers,’ who will earn points in their specific disciplines. This competition diverges from other prestigious races, as athletes will be evaluated based on their overall performance across two events. For instance, Moraa’s ranking will stem from her performances in both the 800m and 1500m events.
The athlete accumulating the highest overall points across the two disciplines will be crowned the Grand Slam champion, receiving a significant cash award of KSh 12 million (USD 100,000). In addition to Moraa, fellow competitors from Kenya include Nelly Jepchirchir, also competing in both the 800m and 1500m.
Kenya’s representation extends to the men’s category, featuring Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who aims to build upon his success in the men’s 800 meters at the forthcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Additionally, Ronald Kwemoi, known for his accomplishments in the 1500m and 5000m, will compete in the middle-distance events, aiming for the substantial cash prize.
In the women’s division, Agnes Ngetich and Hellen Ekalale will contend for the top spots in the 3000m and 5000m races. This innovative Grand Slam format seeks to transform traditional athletic meets by offering not only lucrative rewards but also a dynamic structure that enhances the excitement for both competitors and spectators.
The Grand Slam Track League has been established by legendary American sprinter Michael Johnson, who envisioned this competition as a means to ensure better financial remuneration for athletes, thereby enriching their competitive experience and career sustainability.
In summary, Mary Moraa’s participation, alongside five other Kenyan athletes at the Kingston Slam, highlights a significant advancement in competitive athletics with unprecedented financial incentives. The Grand Slam format emphasizes an innovative point-ranking system over traditional single-event wins, promising a more engaging experience for athletes and fans alike. This event represents a substantial leap forward in the landscape of athletics, cementing its status as a milestone in sports history.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
