It’s May 23, 2025, and the sprinting world just got a major shake-up! The Grand Slam Track (GST), Michael Johnson’s bold new global league, has been delivering pure drama since its debut in Kingston. Its head-to-head format, pitting “Racers” against “Challengers,” has already given us incredible moments, like Matthew Hudson-Smith’s gutsy 200m win against a fierce headwind. Now, as GST gears up for its Philadelphia leg from May 31st to June 1st, a huge twist has unfolded: Fred Kerley, the Olympic medalist and a fan favorite, is out, and the electrifying Christian Coleman has stepped into the spotlight! What does this mean for the Philly Slam?

Kerley, a GST staple known for his blazing 9.76-second 100m, was a huge draw for the men’s short sprints (100m + 200m). But his confirmed absence opens the door for Coleman, the 2019 100m world champion, to join as a Challenger. Coleman is a force of nature, with a 100m personal best of 9.76 seconds and a 200m best of 19.85. He absolutely dominated his collegiate career at Tennessee, sweeping indoor and outdoor sprint titles in 2017. Now, he’s ready to race live on Peacock.

Coleman won’t be alone in the challenge; he’ll face fellow Challengers Andre De Grasse, Aaron Brown, Udodi Onwuzurike, Bryan Levell, and Christian Miller. Standing in their way are the “Racers”: Kenny Bednarek, fresh off a 100m and 200m sweep in Kingston, and Zharnel Hughes, both aiming to hold their ground. Philly, a city famous for its grit, sets the perfect stage for this epic clash. With Kerley out, can Coleman seize this moment and truly challenge Bednarek’s reign? We’ll find out very soon!

Fans are split on Coleman’s inclusion

Well, Social media is absolutely buzzing with this matchup, and the debates are heating up faster than a 100m final. Coleman is a force to be reckoned with, and fans are talking.

Track fans on X are definitely split on this. Some see huge potential. A fan enthusiastically commented, “Coleman is a great addition to this, will be a good challenge.” another added, “It will be nice to see Coleman run 200m,” highlighting interest in his less-frequent event. One chimed in with optimism, “This is a big chance for Coleman to turn things around after the slow start he’s had this season.” With Bednarek fresh off a dominant 100m and 200m sweep in Kingston, and Hughes bringing that undeniable British speed, Coleman’s explosive starts could absolutely shake things up, especially in the 100m.

But not everyone is convinced. The doubters are vocal. Some questioned, “Why add him in his current form, he adds nothing to the tournament,” pointing directly to Coleman’s recent struggles, like his fourth-place finish in Xiamen. Some offered a cautious perspective: “Will be interesting to see how this pans out, however it might be wise to rule Coleman out with how he’s been running.”

The Philly Slam, streaming live on Peacock, unfolds in a city that demands greatness. Coleman’s 100m speed is undeniably elite, but the 200m will be a true test of his endurance against Bednarek’s versatility and Hughes’ consistency. A strong showing could silence his critics and firmly reassert Coleman as a top sprinter. On the other hand, a poor performance might just fuel those doubts about his current form. Will Coleman rise to the occasion and reclaim his spot among the elite, or will his 2025 struggles continue? We’ll find out in Philadelphia!