Aussie Jessica Hull Scores $40,000 as Michael Johnson’s Premier League Launches in Jamaica

Aussie Olympic medallist Jessica Hull secured a handsome prize of $40,000 at the opening round of the inaugural Grand Slam Track season in Jamaica’s capital on Sunday (AEST).

Just a day after achieving a personal best of 1:58.58 to finish third in the 800 metres in Kingston, Hull claimed fourth place in the 1500m with a time of 4:05.48.

In total, she ranked fourth overall in the women’s “short distance” category, earning her US$25,000 (A$40,000) as the high-stakes league, conceived by American sprinting icon Michael Johnson, kicked off.

Ethiopian Diribe Welteji topped the leaderboard in this category, walking away with US$100,000 (approximately A$163,000).

American Nikki Hiltz came second, netting US$50,000 (A$81,000), while Kenyan Susan Lokayo Ejore finished third to claim US$30,000 (A$49,000).

Sasha Zhoya, the Aussie-born athlete representing France, is positioned to secure US$50,000 (A$81,000) as he currently sits second in the men’s “short hurdles” category with one race left to compete.

The Perth-born talent finished the 110m hurdles in 13.34 seconds, battling against a headwind of -0.5 metres per second, and will conclude his grand slam appearance with the 100m sprint on Monday (AEST).

Grand Slam Track boasts an impressive total prize pool of US$12.6 million (approximately A$20 million), establishing it as the richest athletics league ever.

Even those finishing at the bottom of their category can expect to earn at least US$10,000 (A$16,000).

Among the 48 contracted athletes of Johnson’s prestigious league are prominent figures like four-time Olympic gold medallist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and 2022 world 100m champion Fred Kerley.

These 48 elite athletes enjoy annual salaries in addition to their guaranteed prize money.

Another group of 48, labelled “challengers,” do not receive annual salaries but do earn fees for appearances alongside their prize money.

At this inaugural season, Hull stands out as the only Aussie athlete under contract with Grand Slam Track, although more Australians may join her as “challengers” at the upcoming three grand slams.

The event in Kingston will conclude on Monday (AEST) before the league heads to Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles.

Reflecting on the new league, Hull expressed to Wide World of Sports that it has the potential to transform athletics’ appeal to junior talent in Australia.

“Athletics is a growing sport that is continuously evolving,” Hull remarked.

“This offers a sustainable pathway with numerous opportunities if athletes are willing to let their performance speak for itself.”

This week, Hull is set to compete in both the 1500m and 5000m at the Australian athletics championships in Perth.