With the Paris Olympics behind us and a new month just around the corner, you might think the athletic excitement would simmer down. But in 2024, the thrill of competition never stops. The track world is buzzing with anticipation for Michael Johnson’s groundbreaking $30 million Grand Slam Track initiative. Adding to the excitement is the potential showdown everyone is talking about: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone versus her fierce Dutch rival, Femke Bol.

This highly anticipated face-off has fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting what promises to be an epic clash. But it’s not just the fans who are fired up—the rivalry between McLaughlin-Levrone and Bol has caught the attention of fellow athletes, too. When asked about this upcoming duel, a Great Britain track star couldn’t hide his excitement, proving that this is a high-stakes showdown with everyone in the track and field world, from athletes to spectators, eager to see who will come out on top. All eyes will be glued to this electrifying match-up, making it a must-watch event for 2024.

Josh Kerr unleashes his ‘Sydney fan’ spirit

Uploaded by the Grand Slam Track’s official X account, a 31-second short clip shows 2016 Rio 4x100m relay gold medalist Morolake Akinosun in conversation with the 1500m silver medalist from Paris, Josh Kerr. When the American opened the floor for discussion by asking, “And who would you like to see race?” Kerr lifted the lid on the athletes he was looking forward to watching in action.

The 26-year-old confessed, “Oh, that’s a phenomenal question. I’m trying to think. I mean, having Sydney as part of it. I love that head-to-head battle with Femke.” Further elaborating on what makes the clash so electrifying, he added, “You know, obviously she had a lot of running in her. So seeing them fresh going head-to-head would be one for the ages.”

And Akinosun resonated with the atypical fan sentiment that Kerr exhibited. She agreed, “I think we all love that match up every single time it takes the track and to see what heights Sydney is going to push the rest of the field to as well.” After Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone finished with an upper hand in Paris, restricting Bol to lower ranks in both the events where the two went head-on, fans were hungry for more. While the American’s absence from the 2024 Diamond League circuit has kept them waiting, Kerr and Akinosun are already looking at 2025, crackling with excitement.

But while the buildup has already started, the question is: will this materialize into reality? Especially after Femke Bol’s coach, Laurent Mewly had cited concerns about the event’s packed schedule, before the Paris Olympics.

Is another Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone vs Femke Bol moment in the pipeline already?

Sydney McLaughlin Levrone who was the first contracted athlete for the Grand Slam Track had mentioned, “It’s an honor, honestly, very excited to be part of this endeavor…” She remarked that the event was very professionally put together and it would “give us opportunities to compete on a regular basis against the best of the best.” 

However, Meuwly seemed to be irked by the idea of performing in a quick session at the 3-day event. While he appreciated the innovation, more money, and more competitive possibilities that the event offered, he cited the issues they might face from Bol’s end. “We won’t compete 400-400H in 3 days with probably 3 out of 4 meets in USA/Caribbean in April-May-June…” 

The Bol’s appearance still hangs in the balance. But if she does, it will be her fourth head-to-head battle with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Rewinding to the initial days of this rivalry, the two went against each other at the Tokyo Olympics. Fresh off a world record, the American outpaced Bol, the world ranked #2, limiting her to a bronze in 52.03 seconds, while she claimed the gold.

Chapter 2 featured the 2022 World Championship clash, where the timings differed, but McLaughlin-Levrone did not concede her golden lead. And well, the Paris Olympics featured the same, yet again. But, can Bol turn the table this time around? Share your thoughts with us!

Also, before you leave, check out Madisen Skinner’s coach’s insightful worlds for his students in our latest EssentiallySports Think Tank Exclusive.