Athlos NYC, an all-women’s track meet, is set to make history as it brings together some of the world’s top female athletes for an inaugural competition at Icahn Stadium in New York. This groundbreaking event aims to elevate women’s sports to new heights, offering a stage for Olympic champions, national record holders, and world record holders to showcase their talent. Spearheaded by Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit and an active advocate for women’s sports, Athlos NYC is more than just a track meet—it’s a movement designed to inspire and empower the next generation of female athletes.
Ohanian’s dedication to supporting women’s sports is not new. He has been a vocal and financial supporter of women athletes for years. His involvement in the world of women’s sports includes being one of the founding investors in Angel City FC, a women’s soccer club that competes in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Ohanian’s support extends beyond soccer, as he has also invested in ventures like The Sports Bra, a sports bar in Portland, Oregon, exclusively dedicated to broadcasting women’s sports. His passion for promoting female athletes is also influenced by his marriage to Serena Williams, one of the greatest athletes in sports history, and a prominent advocate for women in sports.
Athlos NYC, originally announced as the 776 Invitational, brings together 36 athletes to compete across six different track events: the 100m hurdles, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m. These events will feature some of the most accomplished and celebrated athletes in the world of track and field, with Olympic champions, world record holders, and national stars among the participants.
One of the most highly anticipated performances will come from Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon, a fan favorite and one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time. Kipyegon, who holds the world record in the 1500m and is a three-time Olympic champion, will be one of the biggest stars to grace the track. She will face off against familiar rivals like Gudaf Tsegay, the world record holder in the 5000m and a two-time world champion, as well as rising star Diribe Welteji from Ethiopia. This race promises to be one of the highlights of the night, with a high level of competition expected from these top-tier athletes.
Another athlete to watch is Gabby Thomas, the American sprint sensation who captured the attention of the track and field world with her remarkable performances. Thomas, who won the bronze medal in the 200m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and followed it up with a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, will be competing in both the 200m and 100m events at Athlos NYC. In the 200m, Thomas will go head-to-head with Brittany Brown, the defending Olympic bronze medalist, as well as other formidable competitors like Jenna Prandini and Tamara Clark. The 100m will feature another thrilling matchup, with Brown taking on Marie Josée Talou-Smith, the two-time silver medalist from the 2017 World Championships.
The 400m race at Athlos NYC will also draw significant attention, with Dutch star Lieke Klaver competing against the Dominican Republic’s Marileidy Paulino. Klaver, a mixed 4x400m Olympic champion, will face a tough challenge in Paulino, who recently claimed Olympic gold in Paris and has already secured two world titles. The depth of talent in this field ensures that the 400m will be a race to watch.
In the 800m event, the favorite is Kenya’s Mary Moraa, the 2023 world champion. Moraa has been in top form over the past year and will be up against a strong international field that includes athletes from Jamaica, Uganda, Ethiopia, and the United States. Her dominance in middle-distance races makes her the athlete to beat in this event.
The only hurdle race of the evening will see a showdown between two Olympic champions: Masai Russell, who claimed gold in Paris 2024, and Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, the Tokyo 2020 champion. Alaysha Johnson, who finished runner-up at the U.S. Trials, will also be competing, adding even more depth to this competitive field. The battle for bragging rights in the 100m hurdles is expected to be intense, with all three athletes in contention for the top spot.
Athlos NYC is not just about the competition on the track, but also about making history with its prize money. The event offers the largest prize purse ever for a women’s track meet, with the winner of each race taking home $60,000. Second and third place finishers will earn $25,000 and $10,000, respectively, while those who finish in fourth, fifth, and sixth places will still receive $8,000, $5,000, and $2,500, respectively. Additionally, Athlos NYC will redistribute 10% of the event’s revenue to all participating athletes, a move that further emphasizes the event’s commitment to supporting and rewarding female athletes.
Beyond the track events, Athlos NYC aims to create a festive atmosphere for athletes and fans alike. Following the conclusion of the competition, Grammy-winning artist Megan Thee Stallion will take the stage for a special performance. This adds another layer of excitement to the event, as it blends the world of sports with entertainment, celebrating women not only as athletes but as cultural icons.
The creation of Athlos NYC represents a significant shift in the landscape of women’s sports. For years, women athletes have fought for equality in terms of pay, recognition, and opportunities. While strides have been made, the gap between men’s and women’s sports remains wide. Events like Athlos NYC serve as a platform to challenge that status quo, demonstrating that women’s sports deserve the same level of attention, respect, and investment as men’s.
Ohanian and his team have made it clear that Athlos NYC is only the beginning. By creating a high-profile event with significant prize money and drawing top talent from around the world, Athlos aims to raise the profile of women’s sports and inspire future generations of female athletes. The vision for Athlos is not just to host a single event, but to build a sustainable model that continues to uplift and empower women in sports.
As the first all-women’s track invitational of its kind, Athlos NYC is a powerful statement about the potential of women’s sports. It brings together elite athletes from different countries and disciplines, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents on a global stage. This event is not just about the competition—it’s about breaking down barriers, challenging perceptions, and inspiring the next generation of female athletes to reach for greatness.
In addition to the excitement surrounding the athletes and the competition itself, the event’s broader mission resonates with many. The redistribution of revenue to all athletes is a progressive move that acknowledges the hard work and dedication of each participant, regardless of where they place. This is a step toward greater equity in sports, ensuring that all athletes are compensated fairly for their efforts.
The inclusion of entertainment, such as Megan Thee Stallion’s performance, also highlights the event’s aim to create a more inclusive and celebratory atmosphere. By combining sports with music, Athlos NYC is making a statement that women can excel in all areas, whether it’s athletics, music, or any other field.
Ultimately, Athlos NYC has the potential to be a transformative event in the world of sports. With its focus on elevating women’s sports, offering unprecedented prize money, and drawing global attention to female athletes, it sets a new standard for what women’s sports events can be. As Ohanian and his team continue to push for progress, the future of women’s sports looks brighter than ever.
Athlos NYC is more than just a track meet—it’s a movement. It’s a reminder that women athletes are not just competitors, but role models, trailblazers, and leaders. The event is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of these incredible women and to inspire the next generation to continue breaking barriers and pushing boundaries in sports and beyond. As the athletes step onto the track this Thursday, they will not only be racing for victory but also for the future of women’s sports, and the world will be watching.
