Grand Slam Track: Can Bednarek and Jefferson-Wooden stay perfect in Miami?
The second Grand Slam Track event takes place in Miami this weekend, with last month's inaugural meet in Kingston offering fans a flavour of what is to come.
Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas won the very first race in Jamaica over her favourite distance, and she ultimately finished ahead of Paris 400m gold medallist Marileidy Paulino and Dina Asher-Smith in the long sprints category.
Seven of the 12 race categories – each of which features two events – saw the honours shared between two different winners, with only four racers doing a double.
Alison dos Santos and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone swept the men's and women's long hurdles categories, respectively, while challenger Ejgayehu Taye did likewise in the women's long distance.
And as the Michael Johnson-founded tour heads to Florida for its second meet, there are unbeaten short-sprints racers in both the men's and women's events.
Two-time Olympic silver medallist Kenny Bednarek always looked like one of the main threats in the men's short sprints category, and that status was underlined when the American edged out Jamaican favourite Oblique Seville in a 100m photo finish.
Bednarek was one of seven Americans to win in the first eight races of the Kingston meet, and if anyone is to topple the 200m specialist this week, they will likely need to beat him in the 100m.
He was even able to get away with a mistake at the start of the 100m last time out, telling broadcasters afterwards: "My blocks starts have gotten a lot better this year, but that race didn't really show it! I ended up struggling, but other than that, a win's a win."
Bednarek appears built for the dual-format event, but Canada's Andre De Grasse – the 200m gold medallist at the Tokyo Olympics – should put up a challenge, while Fred Kerley still holds a 5-2 career advantage over Bednarek and will back himself.
The women's short sprints category was also dominated by an American, with Melissa Jefferson-Wooden making light of very windy conditions to win the 100m and 200m events.
Speaking afterwards, Jefferson-Wooden outlined her lofty ambitions, saying: "When I walk away from track and field forever… I want to go down as one of the greatest athletes to ever do this sport.
"I'm here. You can count me out if you want, but I'm still going to be here no matter what you may think of me."
With 96 of the world's fastest racers heading the Sunshine State, 48 permanent racers and the same number of challengers, more excitement is on the cards.
THE MAIN EVENTS
Women's short sprints (100m and 200m)
Jefferson-Wooden was one of the star performers at the inaugural meet, but she faces an even more competitive field this week.
For starters, Thomas will step back down to the shorter category to give us our first duel between two Grand Slam Track champions.
A third American, 200m Olympic bronze medallist Brittany Brown, will also be involved after missing the Kingston meet, while Nigeria's Favour Ofili is another threat. Expect fireworks.
Men’s long sprints (200m and 400m)
Great Britain's Matthew Hudson-Smith won this category last time out, overhauling Trinidadian Jereem Richards to win the 200m then finishing second to the United States' Christopher Bailey in the 400m.
If Hudson-Smith is to triumph again, his 200m performance will be key. He told reporters in Kingston: "The 200m is my baby, that's how I originally came up in the sport.
"We don't have many opportunities to race each other because many people duck, but Grand Slam Track forces you to be here, and that's what will help you later in the season."
Quincy Hall – the 400m gold medal winner at the Paris Olympics – has opted out of Grand Slam Track since the Kingston meet, but his absence could open the door for others...
ATHLETES TO WATCH
Steven Gardiner (men's long sprints)
Grand Slam Track reacted to Hall's exit by signing up Gardiner to be a racer, and though injuries have plagued him in recent years, he could shake up the category if fully fit.
Gardiner has not lost a single 400m race that he has finished since 2017, and he is three-for-three so far this year, too. He could be a threat to Hudson-Smith's hopes.
Cole Hocker (men's short distance)
The men's short distance category was an intriguing watch in Kingston, with challenger Emmanuel Wanyonyi the only competitor to transcend both the 800m and 1,500m events, earning 20 points from the maximum 24.
With Wanyonyi not involved this time around, Hocker – one of the biggest names on the circuit – may eye an opportunity. After placing fifth and third last time out, an improved 800m showing is needed if he is to give himself a chance.
Medina Eisa (women's long distance)
The women's long distance category was also swept by a challenger in Kingston, with Taye winning both the 3,000m and 5,000m.
But as Taye is not rejoining the field in Florida, a new champion is guaranteed. Fellow Ethiopian Eisa – a two-time under-20 world champion over 5,000m – could fill her shoes.