Defeated Tebogo, Now PB for Blake

^{August 16, 2025 | Edition #170}

👋 Hey, Speedsters!

Today’s edition is a little special. Sure, because the man who beat Letsile Tebogo in the 100m is back in the headlines after yet another win. Plus, a US-Jamaica sprint clash is on the cards. Also, the GST has returned with some promises and well, some tough confessions. All that’s there. But there's more news for you from our newsletter team. Hear it from our Editor!

✍🏻 Editor’s Desk

Something New Is Coming…

August 2024, when we rolled out our very first newsletter, we didn't just want to report news; we wanted to bring you track and field stories that matter. Just 3 months of doing that, and we hit our first milestone: 100K subscribers. But that was only the beginning of your support. Today, with 170 editions in, we can proudly say that we are no longer just a newsletter, we’re a family!

From the Athlos NYC 2024 to the first Grand Slam Track event in Kingston, to the recent US Nationals coverage, you’ve been with us every step of the way. Every “Good effort guys,” “Solid report,” “Keep them coming” has fueled us. And yes, every “Do better” pushed us to improve. But we have lived through the highs and lows together through it all!

The joy when Shelly-Ann announced her return this season. The excitement when 13-year-old Melanie Doggett set an age-group world record. Well, we’ve shared heartbreaks, too, like when two legendary track coaches, Bill Schnier and Joe Vigil, passed away. And of course, wild moments like when Kenny pushed Noah (and you all flooded our polls with your reactions) You’ve also enjoyed our birthday specials and loved our stories on legends like Jesse Owens, Sergey Bubka, and more. But now, folks, it’s time to upgrade!

Your beloved newsletter, Essentially Athletics, is getting a makeover! Over the past year, we’ve been listening closely to what you enjoy the most. And thanks to your support, feedback, and love, we’re ready to say goodbye to our old format and hello to something fresh. We promise we’ll still be that hardcore track voice you’ve grown to love, but only sharper and more versatile. And of course, with a new look and feel crafted for you!

So whether you’ve been here since the start or joined us along the way, thank you for being part of this journey. And get ready, because with the Diamond Leagues in Silesia, Lausanne, and the Worlds ahead, our coverage is about to level up! That's a promise.

- Team, Essentially Athletics

📈 Trending News

First, He Took Down Tebogo And Now This…

This Canadian athlete just ran the best 100m of his life! Back in June 2025, when Jerome Blake clocked his first sub-10s time ever, that 9.97s had him celebrating at what he thought was his biggest achievement. But now, two months later, he's pulled off something even bigger...

On August 15th at the NACAC Championships 2025, Blake was entered in the 100m. That's when he stormed across the line in a blistering 9.95s time, clocking a new personal best. Not only this, he also took gold ahead of Ryiem Forde (10.01s) and etched his name into history with a new NACAC championship record. And it’s not just this one race.

Blake’s 100m form this year has been jaw-dropping. Just last month, he pulled off a shocker, defeating none other than Letsile Tebogo at the Brescia Grand Prix with a crisp 10.06s. Here, watch him smoke Tebogo in the 100m! Crazy to think this is the same guy who once struggled through modeling gigs, and on film sets… But now? Even when he’s found the best 100m form of his life, there's still a bummer.

Yes, that’s because despite being Canada’s fastest 100m man this year, Blake won’t be running the distance at Worlds. Because at nationals, disaster struck. In the 100m semis, Blake was disqualified for a false start. He explained he’d reacted to a noise from the crowd, but the officials didn’t budge. Well, Blake will still be there at Worlds in the 200m. But yes, he had a real shot to make it in the 100m too! Alas, he missed it!

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 🏃‍♀️ Big Showdown

Shelly vs Sha’Carri After Two Years!

It’s happening! After 732 long days, track and field will get the return of the USA vs Jamaica rivalry on the track…

Mark your calendars: Because on August 22nd, at the Brussels Diamond League, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce just announced her arrival. She'll be entering the 100m there, and that's special because it’s the same meet where she claimed the Diamond League title back in 2013. However, since then, she’s had near-misses here, finishing second at the Brussels DL in both 2019 and 2022. But looks like this year, she'll aim to rewrite that script!

Also, here’s the crazy part: Shelly’s return to Brussels means we finally get her first head-to-head with Sha’Carri Richardson, who has also announced that she'll be coming. So both the track rivals will meet for the first time since the Budapest World Championships. But in Brussels, history says that Shelly had the upper hand last time when the two last met here in 2022. While it was Shericka who won, Shelly still ran a blazing 10.65s for silver, while Sha’Carri was edged out for fifth in 11.13s. Watch that race below to see that fiery clash!

But here’s the twist. Shelly hasn’t won a single 100m final this year, and Sha'Carri's only raced the 100m thrice, with her season best being 11.07s. So neither is looking at their sharpest. Still, even outside the track world, Shelly commands legendary respect. Like recently, at an NFL game, Chicago Bears’ Mark Perry called her the GOAT of women’s sports. And when this GOAT gets to Brussels against Sha’Carri, fireworks are bound!

Watch: When Sha’Carri Defeated Shelly In One Of Her Most Crucial Races!

📰 Top Stories of Today

🤔 Noah Lyles chose silence to Mondo Duplantis’ controversial question! - Full Story

🤯 This athlete took the crown ahead of FloJo and Sha’Carri Richardson - Full Story

🙂 Kenny Bednarek is on the mission he promised! - Full Story

😎 Noah Lyles just dropped his daring habit! - Full Story

🤫 Femke Bol guessed something about her coach - Full Story

See what else is trending in the world of track & field - Click Here

 🏃‍♀️ Beyond The Medals

Michael Johnson Has Spoken!

For the past few months, Grand Slam Track has not been in good shape. Cancelled meet, pending dues. But now, Michael Johnson felt it was time to finally respond. So he did…

On August 15, Johnson issued a letter to the track community. In it, he explained that the funding committed to them had suddenly fallen through. And while the GST organisers worked tirelessly to find a solution and, up until the LA postponement, were confident they were close. However, circumstances beyond their control forced them to end the season early to avoid further losses. But now…

Johnson promised in the letter that they are putting systems and partnerships in place to ensure this never happens again. Here’s Michael Johnson’s full letter! He admitted that not being able to pay athletes was the most difficult challenge he has ever faced. Still, he assured the community: “The 2026 season will not happen until those obligations are met. That is my number one priority.” He added that he has spent the past weeks meeting with the right partners, and he said he remains confident about GST’s future.

But yes, amid all this, reactions have been sharp. Some argued it was unfair that GST allowed athletes to compete in two meets while knowing funds weren’t available. Others said more practically: you can’t pay out what you don’t have, and no investor will step in to cover past losses without clear ownership and profit rights. Both views have weight. But one thing is clear, GST’s future is still at a critical crossroad!

Watch: When An American Record Got Broken at Grand Slam Track!

📊 POLL OF THE DAY

Last Poll Result: We asked you, “Can Any Athlete In Track And Field Break As Many World Records In Their Event as Mondo Duplantis Has?” And about 51% of you believed Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone can. Well, she already has six 400mH World Records in the bag. But getting to 13 now looks tough because she’s switched over to the 400m flat for a bit! But well, with Sydney you never know!

That’s it for today, folks! We’ll look to knock on your inbox soon with more interesting stories!

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