In Jerusalem in the summer of 2026, even a short drive can turn into a prolonged journey. Roadworks, reduced lanes and preparations for new light rail lines affect almost anyone attempting to cross the city. On Thursday, June 25, however, movement should be considerably faster in at least one part of the capital.
The Jerusalem Grand Slam 2026 will take place at the national stadium in Givat Ram, bringing together about 76 male and female athletes from 29 countries. Leading Israeli competitors will face international rivals in an event offering ranking points and qualification opportunities ahead of the European Athletics Championships.
Which athletes will compete at the Jerusalem Grand Slam 2026?
The international field includes athletes from the United States, Canada, Brazil, France, Greece, Ukraine, Hungary, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Ethiopia and Uganda. Full relay teams from Ukraine, Lithuania and Poland are expected to compete in the 4×100-meter event, while their members will also enter individual races.
The Israeli lineup includes Blessing Afrifah, Yonathan Kapitolnik, Adva Cohen, Omri Shiff, Romi Tamir, Estelle Valeanu, Yishai Ifraimov, Alina Drutman, Mercy Afrifah and other leading athletes.
Israel Athletics Association chairman Ami Baran stressed the significance of the international participation: “The fact that dozens of athletes from 29 countries are coming to Israel and Jerusalem has enormous meaning. They will compete here and experience Israel firsthand.”
Ze’ev Barzilai, marketing director at Eldan Transportation, described their arrival as an achievement in itself: “Bringing these athletes to Israel’s capital during such a complex period is a point of pride for both the country and Jerusalem.”
What are the Israeli athletes hoping to achieve in Jerusalem?
The competition gives athletes an opportunity to collect ranking points and meet qualification standards for the European Championships, scheduled to begin in Birmingham on August 10.
Yonathan Kapitolnik reflected on his recovery from injury: “It was a challenging year, but over the past two months I have felt real progress. I am at the beginning of a process, and I am pleased with it.”
Mercy Afrifah set a clear target: “The stadium record is definitely my goal. I know what I am capable of, and I hope it happens here at the Grand Slam.”
Blessing Afrifah explained that he has unfinished business from last year: “After suffering heatstroke in the 200 meters and missing the 100, it is important for me to come back and succeed this time.”
Could the Jerusalem Grand Slam produce another Israeli record?
Last year, Omri Shiff set an Israeli record in the 400-meter hurdles, stopping the clock at 49.82 seconds and breaking a national mark that had stood for 34 years.
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion noted that the competition “is another expression of Jerusalem’s growing position on the global sports map,” adding that investment in facilities and international events is intended to attract further major competitions.
Alongside the professional events, a family activity zone will operate at the stadium. While drivers continue to wait on Jerusalem’s congested roads, the athletes in Givat Ram will be trying to break records.
