New York City, renowned for its vibrant nightlife, added a new spectacle to its repertoire: Athlos. This inaugural track event, a brainchild of Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of women’s sports, a testament to their talent, and a powerful statement about equality in the world of athletics.
Held at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island, Athlos drew a crowd of excited spectators, including celebrities like Lupita Nyong’o and Shonda Rhimes, and brought together 36 of the world’s top female track stars. The event pulsated with energy, fueled by DJ D-Nice’s electrifying soundtrack and culminating in a fiery performance by the one and only Megan Thee Stallion.
The inspiration for Athlos, as Ohanian explained to Vogue, stemmed from his observations while investing in Angel City FC, a Los Angeles women’s soccer team. He noted that the incredible talent and achievements of female athletes often receive immense attention during global events like the World Cup, only to fade into the background afterward. “The American women have always been exceptional in track and field,” he said, “We’re all captivated by these women during the Olympics, then for four years it seems like they disappear.” This disparity in recognition and compensation, particularly in track and field, prompted Ohanian to create Athlos – a platform to ensure that these remarkable athletes receive the ongoing support and spotlight they deserve.
The event itself was a spectacle of athletic prowess, showcasing six thrilling races: 100m, 200m, 400m, 100m hurdles, 800m, and 1500m. The winners, including Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico (100m hurdles) and American Brittany Brown, who pulled off an impressive upset over Gabby Thomas in the 200m, were crowned with sterling silver Tiffany & Co. crowns, crafted specifically for this occasion. The prize pool, exceeding $500,000, with each winner taking home $60,000, underscored Athlos’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding the extraordinary talent of these women.
For Ohanian, who has witnessed firsthand the pay disparity between men’s and women’s sports as the husband of tennis legend Serena Williams, Athlos was a personal mission. “Thanks to Billie [Jean King] and thanks to Serena and Venus [tennis] is a very well-compensated sport now for women. Golf is another one that’s tracking in terms of compensation. But track and field is still very, very, very behind.” Athlos is a bold step towards bridging that gap, ensuring that women in track and field receive the financial recognition and respect they so richly deserve.
As the event concluded, Ohanian, beaming alongside his 7-year-old daughter, Olympia, expressed his satisfaction with the evening’s success, while acknowledging the need for continuous improvement. “At a minimum, we’re doing it again next year,” he declared, demonstrating his commitment to making Athlos a lasting celebration of women in sports. “I have that ambition and our team has that ambition. At the same time, we also know we’ve got to earn our way back in here.” Athlos has made a powerful statement, proving that women in track and field are not just Olympians, but athletes worthy of year-round recognition, support, and celebration. The event promises to be an annual fixture, further solidifying its place as a beacon for equality and a catalyst for change within the world of athletics.
