Canadian middle-distance star Marco Arop claimed his third consecutive 800-metre victory on the Grand Slam Track circuit Saturday, blazing to a dominant win at Franklin Field in Philadelphia. Arop crossed the finish line in a swift 1:43.48, reinforcing his status as the reigning world champion and 2024 Olympic silver medallist in the event. The Edmonton native will now shift focus to the 1,500 metres on Sunday, aiming to secure his first short distance title on the Grand Slam circuit.
Arop has now swept all three 800m races in the Grand Slam series, a new elite track competition spearheaded by U.S. track legend Michael Johnson. The series, in its inaugural season, launched in Kingston, Jamaica, followed by a stop in Miami, and will conclude in Los Angeles from June 27 to 29.
In the men’s 200 metres, American Kenny Bednarek, the 2024 Olympic silver medallist, clinched victory with a time of 19.95 seconds. Canada’s Aaron Brown of Toronto finished third in 20.50, just behind Great Britain’s Zharnel Hughes, while Andre De Grasse of Markham, Ont., placed fourth in 20.58. All three sprinters are expected to compete in the 100 metres on Sunday.
Athletes in the Grand Slam Track series must compete in two races per their designated category—ranging from sprints to distance events—with a points-based system determining final standings. Winners earn 12 points, with subsequent positions earning decreasing scores. The competitor with the highest combined points from both races is crowned the “Slam Champion,” while the season leader across all meets is recognized as the “Racer of the Year.”
Swifteradio.com