The Grand Slam Track has been called many things, from ambitious to delusional, but one thing that the critics can’t disagree with is that the circuit has given multiple track stars and their careers a second wind. After all, just look at the performance of one 21-year-old Jamaican speedster at the third edition of the event in Philadelphia. Here, the youngster didn’t just impress. No, he delivered a wake-up call. And while this didn’t give him wins with a 10.02-second 2nd-place finish in the 100m and a 5th-place finish in the 200m, he showed that he could stand his ground against veterans and global stars. But it was also a warning to his fellow Jamaicans.But why? Well, after the blunders at the World Relays in China, the island nation is already on edge. And if Philly’s performance is a sign of what’s to come, then Bryan Levell is soon to be a force to reckon with for the likes of Kishane Thompson and Co. Track analyst Anderson Emerole couldn’t even hold back his admiration. “Bryan Levell is in a very great position,” Emerole said on The Final Leg Track & Field podcast. “He has a very good shot to not only make the World Championship team in the 200 but potentially in that 100 meters as well,” Emerole further added. Emerole’s praise was far from casual. This was recognition of a sprinter who, over the past year, has steadily transformed from a promising teenager into a real contender on the world stage. In 2024, Levell broke out with a personal best of 9.98 in the 100m at the Jamaican Trials and followed that with 19.97 in the 200m. This earned him a spot on the Olympic team and a national title. But the GST performance wasn’t just a standalone statement; it was part of a bigger narrative. Levell has been building momentum since last season, when he reached the Olympic 200m semifinals in Paris. He showed them that he wasn’t just happy to qualify. He wanted to compete. And now, with another summer of trials and titles approaching, Levell’s form suggests he’s coming back for more.9.86s!!World Lead Kenny Bednarek powered to a new PB & World Lead of 9.86s (0.8) to win the men’s 100m at GST Philadelphia!He tied the World Lead set by Saminu Abdul-Rasheed.Bryan Levell was a solid 2nd in 10.02s, while Zharnel Hughes ran 10.05s for 3rd. pic.twitter.com/wdSLIyGZRi— Track & Field Gazette (@TrackGazette) June 1, 2025“Last year, he finished fourth in the 100 at trials—behind Seville, Blake, and Thompson. That’s an elite trio,” Emerole pointed out. “But he still managed to edge his way onto the Olympic team in the 200 and become national champion.” That kind of composure and competitive fire is hard to teach. This year, Levell opened his season early with some 60m and 400m efforts before rounding into peak shape just in time. His latest runs at GST prove he’s not just peaking; he’s positioning. So, what does this mean for Jamaica’s sprint hierarchy? Simple: Kishane Thompson, Oblique Seville, and Akeem Blake no longer have breathing room. Levell isn’t a fringe threat. He’s an outright danger to anyone eyeing a spot on the World Championship team. The GST display was more than a solid outing. It was a shot fired. Bryan Levell is no longer just the next one up. He’s already here. And fans were quick to shower him with praise. Fans heap praise on Bryan Levell’s impressive showingAs soon as the news went viral, fans flocked to the comment section. Bryan Levell’s rise hasn’t gone unnoticed by those who see the system behind the speed. Hinting at the same, one fan noted, “He’s got a great coach and I’m really excited to see his progress!” The words were a clear nod to Shanikee Osbourne, the same coach credited with transforming Thompson-Herah.With Levell’s strategic early-season races and peak form at GST, it’s evident that his coaching setup is fueling his breakout. Levell’s form and timing in Philadelphia didn’t just impress analysts; they validated long-standing fan belief. As one supporter shared, “Bryan Levell is my breakout Jamaican athlete this year; love his form; he looks so easy running…”That smooth, relaxed stride was on full display during his 10.02 run at GST. The same fan predicts he’ll “take out either Seville or Blake,” reflecting how Levell’s rise is shaking up the Jamaican sprint hierarchy. The 21-year-old’s strong finish in GST’s 100m wasn’t just a one-off moment. It’s been years in the making. In the same vein, one fan remarked, “I have been saying that since the high school champs… he has strong 400m strength too.”That background gives Levell staying power in the last 40 meters, explaining why he stormed past some seasoned names despite appearing effortless. Another YouTube user pointed directly to Shanikee Osbourne’s elite development skills: “His coach Shanikee Osbourne was the one who made Elaine run fast… Brian Levell is in good hands.” Such a context adds weight to Levell’s rapid rise. He’s not just talented, but he’s being guided by one of Jamaica’s top sprint minds, known for producing world-class results in short timeframes. When a fan reiterates their entire praise, “Bryan Levell is my breakout Jamaican athlete this year…” almost identical to a previous post, it signals more than excitement. It highlights consensus. Repeating that he might “take out either Seville or Blake” reflects real tension in Jamaica’s sprint rankings, where Levell is no longer a fringe contender but a direct challenge to established stars. Thus, with a lot of promise shown, it now remains to be seen what happens next.The post Jamaican Track and Field Star Earns Massive Praise as 21-Year-Old Guns for Kishane Thompson & Co appeared first on EssentiallySports.