Marileidy Paulino signs with Grand Slam Track League as clash against Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone inches closer

Marileidy Paulino signs with Grand Slam Track League as clash against Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone inches closer

Abigael Wafula 20:33 - 22.10.2024

Olympic 400m champion Marileidy Paulino has signed with Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track League for its 2025 debut, becoming the first Racer in the "long sprints" category after an unbeaten season.

Reigning Olympic 400m champion Marileidy Paulino has signed with Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track League ahead of its debut in 2025.

The 400m maestro has been unbeaten this season and she also made history by becoming the first Dominican woman to win an Olympic gold and she also proceeded to claim top honours at the Diamond League Meeting final in Brussels.

Marileidy Paulino will contest the “long sprints” as a Racer and will have the option to race in the 200m and 400m. She is the first Grand Slam Track Racer in the “long sprints” category.

Signing with the Grand Slam Track League allows her to race against Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone who was the first athlete to sign with the league. According to Citius Mag, the Olympic 400m hurdles world champion has the option to contest the ‘long sprints category’ despite signing for the ‘long hurdles.

Fans were waiting for a showdown of the duo at the Diamond League Meeting final in Brussels but Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was declared ineligible to compete there and had two special races organised for her.

Meanwhile, others who could join Marileidy Paulino in the ‘long sprints’ include Salwa Eid Naser, Natalia Kaczmarek, Alexis Homles, Amber Anning, Nickisha Pryce, Lieke Klaver, and Rhasidat Adeleke.

Speaking about her signing in the Grand Slam Track League, Marileidy Paulino said: “For me, it’s about making my country proud and continuing to raise the bar. Grand Slam Track is a new chapter for me, and I’m ready to keep showing what hard work and heart can do. This is a great opportunity for us as athletes to continue to make our sport shine on a global stage.”

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