^{June 2, 2025 | Edition #137}

👋 Hey, Speedsters!

Grand Slam Track Philadelphia was electric! Hearts raced as Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone stepped out boldly, and in a surprise that no one saw coming, Gabby Thomas struggled against a new American sprint queen! Meanwhile, another American ended up seizing the Slam crown third time in a row! Hop on, as there's no better time to be a track fan!

🌟 Track Stories

Did Sydney's Experiment Work?

On Saturday, May 31, as Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone stepped in the 100m hurdles, something unexpected happened…Ackera Nugent handed Sydney her first individual defeat since June 2023. The Jamaican rocket held her nerve and claimed victory in 12.44 seconds, while McLaughlin-Levrone finished fifth in 12.70 seconds. Watch how SML tried to keep up in the race, here! And, the very next day....

Tides turned as Sydney returned for the second race of her race group. And this time, she didn't just show up but delivered! Yeah, Nugent did rule the flat 100m field by crossing the line first in 11.11 seconds, but McLaughlin-Levrone wasn’t trailing far behind. In fact, she was right on her heels with 11.21 seconds, looking all proud of her silver-winning time. But could she really be proud?

Well, facts first… For someone making their first-ever professional 100m attempt, finishing second is honestly exceptional. Additionally, she has run 100m hurdles just four times in her career. So coming fifth in one’s fifth isn’t quite bad either. Honestly, she tried to tick every box she intended to achieve, from her sprint speed, mechanics, and turnover. And in the end, she said, “It’s just a change-up and I’m happy I did it.” But it all came at a cost!

Sydney lost the chance to be a three-peat Slam Champ. Nevertheless, this was still a bold move with the World Championships looming around the corner. It shows her willingness to step out of her comfort zone, and isn’t this exactly what SML needs if she wants to snatch back her 400 mH World title from Femke Bol, who took it in 2023 during SML's absence? So what are your thoughts on SML’s little experiment?

Watch: Sydney Running Her First Ever Pro 100m at GST!

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📈 Trending News

Hello to The New Fastest Woman This Year!

Going into the Philadelphia edition of GST, there was just one name buzzing in the women’s short sprint race group…and it wasn’t Gabby Thomas, but Melissa Jefferson-Wooden! Day 1 kicked off with Melissa’s explosive 200m performance, where she rocketed to beat the reigning Olympic Champ Gabby Thomas with a new personal best! And just when we thought the 100m would be a chance for Gabby and the rest to bounce back… Melissa stole the show AGAIN! Watch her insane performance below!

On Day 2, Melissa blazed through the 100m in 10.73 seconds, shaving off almost 0.07 seconds from her previous personal best. But that wasn’t all! Her 10.73 now stands as the world #1 for 2025. And now she is also the fifth-fastest American ever, and the second-fastest active American, right behind her training partner Sha’Carri Richardson. Still, there’s more…

Now she is tied with France’s Christine Arron as the 10th-fastest woman in history! Clearly, this is a new, fearless version of Melissa. Her next aim is to race the 100m and 200m at the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships between July 31–August 3. And after her GST win, she believes that she can be the world 100m champion in September. Well, honestly, it seems there is nothing that she can’t handle!

Watch: Melissa Going Against Gabby Thomas in the 200m!

📰 Top Stories of Today

🏃‍♀️ Melissa Jefferson has revealed the secret behind her 200m GST win - Full Story

🫡 Quincy Wilson was absent from the GST lineup but not from fans’ eyes - Full Story

🤯 Michael Johnson has received a crazy idea from a fan for the next season of GST - Full Story 

🤔 Sha’Carri Richardson & Co. got a warning straight from the GST track - Full Story

😲 Fred Kerley has dropped a message for his rivals - Full Story

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

🎖️Beyond the Medals

Kenny Bednarek's Perfect Streak Continues!

Not just Melissa Jefferson, but another one of Dennis Mitchell's students shone at Philadelphia. Yes, Kenny Bednarek has made a statement once again, and it didn’t matter at all if Christian Miller, Christian Coleman, Andre De Grasse, or anyone else was in the lineup! We got the first taste of his dominance on Saturday, when Bednarek stepped into the 200m and smoked the field, crossing the finish line in 19.95 seconds. And the next day?

Simply unreal! On Sunday, Bednarek returned to beat Bryan Levell and Zharnel Hughes in a photo finish in 9.86s in the 100m sprint. Though the title of the world’s fastest man won’t be decided until September… But for now, it’s clearly Kenny! That's because his 9.86 seconds now ties with the world lead set just days earlier by Abdul-Rasheed Saminu. Watch Bednarek's WL 100m time here! This raised his series record at the GST to a perfect 6–0. And believe it or not…

Despite the slowest reaction time, Kenny tied for 12th on the all-time U.S. list in a race run in temperatures around 60°F and barely any wind (+0.8). He also recorded a personal best, a GST program record, and finally went home with his third Slam Champion title in a row. Thus, he is now at the top of the Men's Racer of the Year charts with 72 unbeaten points! But this is not where he is going to pull the brakes!

“We still got a lot more to go…We’re not even peaked yet. I’m just giving you a taste,” said Bednarek. And if you see the larger picture, what an amazing season he has had till now: 9 races, 7 golds and 2 silvers! And he is cashing big time while stumbling all his rivals! Each Slam, Kingston, Miami, and Philly, has added a $100,000 fat cheque to his pocket. So, yeah, it is a win-win situation for the man who is looking for a spotless form in a very crucial year!

Watch: Bednarek Leaving Christian Coleman in Dust at GST!

📊 POLL OF THE DAY

Last Poll Result: We asked you, “With the New Partnership, Should Sha’Carri Also Participate in Athlos’ 2025 Edition?” Well, a majority of you, with 56% of votes, said, “Maybe, but the main focus should be the World Championships.” Whereas, interestingly, none of you voted for “No, open directly in 2026,” clearly indicating fans can’t get enough of her! And the Sha'Carri Richardson, we know, will definitely be soon on track to create milestones!

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

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