Matthew Hudson-Smith, a distinguished British sprinter and Olympic medallist, celebrated a remarkable achievement on Saturday, winning a substantial prize of $100,000 (£77,500) after triumphing in the 200m event during the inaugural Grand Slam Track meet held in Kingston, Jamaica.

The 30-year-old athlete's outstanding performance not only secured him the top spot in the 200m but also complemented his earlier success, where he finished second in the 400m on Friday. This consistent excellence across the two events allowed Hudson-Smith to top the combined standings of the competition, ultimately leading to his impressive cash prize.

Hudson-Smith crossed the finish line in a swift time of 20.77 seconds, outpacing his competitors, including Jereem Richards from Trinidad and Tobago, who claimed second place, and Jamaican sprinter Deandre Watkin, who finished in third. After his thrilling victory, Hudson-Smith expressed his joy and gratitude, stating, “It’s great to win the first Grand Slam championship; I’m really excited and grateful.” He further reflected on his career, noting, “I’m getting to the end of my career, so it’s time to start saving.”

Originally hailing from Wolverhampton, Hudson-Smith is well-known for his outstanding performance in athletics, having previously secured a silver medal in the 400m at the Paris 2024 Olympics. His recent victory represents a significant milestone as he became the first athlete to claim a share of the lucrative cash prizes at this innovative event, which was launched by the celebrated four-time Olympic champion, Michael Johnson.

The Grand Slam Track is designed to feature a series of four weekend meetings, with three additional events scheduled to take place in the United States in the coming weeks. Athletes will compete in two different disciplines at each meeting, adding an exciting twist to traditional track competitions.

In addition to Hudson-Smith's success, several other competitors also enjoyed financial rewards, including Olympic champion Gabby Thomas. Thomas secured the top of the standings after finishing second in the 400m, having previously won the 200m. “I’m not sure I’ve ever been more tired in my life,” she remarked, emphasizing the intense competition. “I heard them saying on the home stretch, ‘$100K on the line,’ and it really, really motivated me.” This highlights the high stakes and enthusiasm surrounding the Grand Slam Track events.

Fellow American Kenny Bednarek also had a noteworthy day, following up his victory in the 100m with a win in the 200m event. Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji showcased her versatility by topping the field in the short distance group after previously winning the 1500m, following a second-place finish in the 800m on Friday.

The men’s 1500m event witnessed an unexpected twist, with Kenyan runner Emmanuel Wanyonyi pulling off a stunning upset against a highly skilled field. The American athlete Yared Nuguse finished in second, while Olympic gold medalist Cole Hocker had to settle for third place. Britain’s Josh Kerr, the reigning world champion in the 1500m, finished the race in fifth place, indicating that the competition was fierce and filled with surprises.