Grand Slam Track Philadelphia 2025: Kenny Bednarek tops 200m; Melissa Jefferson-Wooden beats Gabby Thomas

Big sprints from American stars light up Philadelphia stop of Grand Slam Track

By Scott Bregman

31 May 2025 17:51 GMT-4

American Kenny Bednarek, a two-time Olympic silver medal winner in the 200m, sprinted to a 19.95 200m time in the men’s short sprints to lead Team GB’s Zharnel Hughes Saturday (31 May) at Grand Slam Track’s third stop in Philadelphia.

Hughes, one of Grand Slam Track’s designated Racers, clocked in at 20.50 for second. Canada’s Aaron Brown was third, with Olympic gold medallist Andre De Grasse in fourth.

In the women’s short sprints, it was an intense battle between three-time Olympic gold medallist Gabby Thomas and fellow Olympic champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden.

On Saturday, it was Jefferson-Wooden with the slight edge, as she snuck past Thomas in the 200m, 21.99 to 22.10. It was the first sub-22 time of Jefferson-Wooden's career.

American Tamari Davis (22.59) was third, with Brit Dina Asher-Smith right behindin fourth at 22.65.

Competition wraps up Sunday (1 June), with action getting underway at 3:30pm local time