A track meet in New York City on Thursday night is set to make waves with its unique features, offering substantial prize money, well-known entertainers, silver crowns for winners, and an all-female lineup. This event marks another significant win for women’s sports and aims to propel track and field into the spotlight. Leading the charge are Olympic 200-meter champion Gabby Thomas and other top female athletes participating in the inaugural Athlos track meet, showcasing some of the fastest women in the world.
One of the driving forces behind this groundbreaking event is Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, and husband of tennis legend Serena Williams. Dispelling the notion that women’s sports lack viewership, Ohanian decided to launch Athlos, which will distribute over $500,000 in prize money and allocate 10% of all earnings to the athletes. Adding to the allure, Grammy Award-winning singer Megan Thee Stallion will perform at the meet, creating a vibrant and exciting atmosphere for participants and spectators alike.
The significance of Athlos extends beyond the financial rewards, symbolizing a shift towards greater investment in women’s sports. Ohanian’s venture, funded by his firm Seven Seven Six, aims to elevate female athletes and provide them with the recognition and support they deserve. The event, to be held at Icahn Stadium, embodies the spirit of empowerment and inclusivity, emphasizing the importance of valuing and nurturing women’s athletic prowess.
For athletes like hurdler Alaysha Johnson, the women’s only meet represents a fitting conclusion to a demanding season filled with high-stakes competitions. By centering the event around female athletes, Athlos symbolizes progress and equality in the sporting world, reinforcing the idea that women’s sports are just as compelling and valuable as their male counterparts.
Athlos, meaning “athlete” in Greek, will showcase a range of track events including the 100 hurdles, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1500 meters. The meet will be broadcast on various platforms, including X platform, YouTube, and ESPN-plus, with a rebroadcast scheduled on ESPN2 over the weekend, ensuring widespread coverage and exposure for the athletes.
The event has attracted top talent, with reigning Olympic champions such as Gabby Thomas, Masai Russell, Marileidy Paulino, and Faith Kipyegon set to compete, underscoring the caliber of participants and the competitive nature of the meet. The growing interest and investment in track and field, evidenced by initiatives like Grand Slam Track and the Ultimate Championships, reflect a broader trend towards recognizing and rewarding athletic excellence across genders.
Ohanian’s vision for Athlos extends beyond a single event, with plans to establish a platform for sustained growth and recognition in women’s sports. By offering substantial prize money and prestigious rewards like crowns designed by Tiffany & Co., Athlos seeks to elevate female athletes to new heights and inspire a generation of fans and supporters.
In a landscape where women’s sports have often been undervalued and overlooked, initiatives like Athlos are reshaping the narrative and shining a spotlight on the incredible talent and dedication of female athletes. Through partnerships with prominent figures like Gabby Thomas and Megan Thee Stallion, Athlos is poised to make a lasting impact on the sports world, championing equality, empowerment, and excellence in women’s athletics.