Sydney 2000. Michael Johnson lined up, chasing history. In 43.84 seconds, he defended his Olympic 400m title, something no man had ever done. But while Johnson dominated, another story was unfolding. Jamaica’s Gregory Haughton took bronze, putting his nation back on the 400m podium after decades. It was a glimpse of what was to come. In the 21st century, the USA and Jamaica rivalry became something you can’t take your eyes off as both nations dominate track & field, trading gold and records across generations. From Usain Bolt vs. Justin Gatlin to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce vs. Carmelita Jeter or Elaine Thompson to Shacarri Richardson, the races were thrilling, but the rivalry didn’t stop there. It became tribal. Every win, every loss, fans made it personal, taking it online. Michael Johnson, whose Grand Slam Track debut is next month and who has seen this rivalry evolve firsthand, now has something to say.
When you think of Jamaica at the Olympics, you think of sprinters flying down the track, right? Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, gold medals. But in Paris? It wasn’t the sprints that stole the show. Michael Johnson put it straight on Jamaicans.com’s YouTube channel: “The Sprint events, which are what most people think of when they think of Jamaican track and field athletes, certainly this past Olympics in Paris. You know the field events was what really shined for Jamaica when the Sprints were not you know what you would normally have expected.”
And he’s spot on. This time, it was the throwers and jumpers making noise. Rojé Stona won gold in discus, Wayne Pinnock won silver in the long jump, Shaniecka Ricketts silver in Women Triple Jump, and Rajindra Campbell Bronze in shot put all bringing home medals. Not something you see every day from Jamaica, but definitely something to pay attention to. Kishane Thompson grabbed only silver which came in the 100m, keeping the island in the conversation along with Rasheed Broadbell, who won Men’s 110m hurdles bronze. But let’s be real when you’re used to seeing Bolt-level dominance, silver and bronze just hit differently. And of course, you can’t talk about Jamaica in track and field without bringing up the rivalry with the U.S.
Johnson, who lived through it, knows exactly how deep it runs: “I’ve been a part of it, I’ve been right in the middle of it. You know, it’s real. I think it’s intensified. It goes through its phases where Jamaicans are on top, then the Americans are on top, and then the Jamaicans are back on top. So, it’s a real rivalry, and it’s one of the most fascinating things I think about the sport when you’ve got this country you know of three million people YOU KNOW competing head-to-head—and sometimes dominating—a country of 300 million people,” And he’s right, it’s like a never-ending relay race. The U.S. took 9 golds in track and field at Athens 2004. Then in 2008, Jamaica, led by Bolt and company, snagged 5 golds to the U.S.’s 7. By 2012, the U.S. pulled ahead again with 11 golds, but Jamaica was still flexing with 4—including Bolt making history again.
SYD01–SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: ATHLETICS, TRACK AND FIELD: Michael Johnson raises his arms after winning the olympic gold medal in the men s 400m, this Monday September 25, 2000 at the Sydney Olympic Games Olympische Spiele Olympia OS Johnson finished in 43.84 and becomes the only man ever who defended succesfully his olympic 400m title. BELGA-REPORTERS/ NO USE BY LLB, DH, VERS L AVENIR BENOITxDOPPAGNE PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY x513477x
But here’s where it gets really funny. Johnson summed it up perfectly: “It’s a friendly rivalry—except online, on social media. You know you do not want to upset Track Twitter. If you get on their wrong side, they will come at you with full force.
Michael Johnson Grand Slam Track takes flight next month
Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track takes flight next month and will bring a bold new format to the sport which will have no heats. No prelims. Just straight finals. One race, one shot.
Kicking off in Kingston, Jamaica, from April 4-6, the series moves to Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. Athletes must compete in two events within their category—sprinters tackling both the 100m and 200m, while quarter-milers take on the 200m and 400m and it will about proving versatility.
Each race features eight athletes, four pre-selected Racers, and four Challengers who must earn their spot. The setup pits established stars against rising talent, guaranteeing high-stakes showdowns. The scoring is simple but ruthless. First place earns 12 points, second gets 8, third takes 6, and so on. The combined score from both events determines the overall winner. If there’s a tie, the fastest time or best placement decides it. Still tied? The prize money gets split.
Speaking of money, there is a $12.6 million prize pool. Every position carries weight, right down to the eighth-place finisher earning $10,000 per event. Racers receive guaranteed season-long contracts, while Challengers get appearance fees alongside prize money.
Beyond individual Slam titles, the season builds toward crowning two overall champions, one male, and one female, based on cumulative points across all four events
The post “Friendly Rivalry Except…”: Track & Field Legend Sets the Record Straight on USA-Jamaica Feuds Amid Grand Slam Track’s Debut appeared first on EssentiallySports.
