'This is the future': Athlos aims to change the landscape for female track runners
Welcome to Athlos NYC: The Coachella of Sports
New York City’s iconic Stadium was buzzing with excitement as 5,000 fans, celebrities, and athletes gathered for the inaugural Athlos, a track meet like no other. This event is being hailed as the Coachella of sports, with a star-studded lineup featuring rapper Megan Thee Stallion and some of the world’s fastest women in track and field.
A Night to Remember
The event, which was headlined by Megan Thee Stallion, was a celebration of women’s sport, with 36 athletes vying for top honors. The winners of each event were crowned with a quintessentially New York prize – a Tiffany Crown. The evening was filled with electric energy, with the crowd roaring as the athletes took to the track.
Athlos Founder Alexis Ohanian’s Vision
Athlos founder and entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian is no stranger to the world of women’s sports. Married to tennis superstar Serena Williams, he has been a long-time advocate for equal pay and visibility for women athletes. "When I pitched Serena on Athlos, it was an insta-yes," he said. "She was like, ‘This is a great idea, you’ve got to do it.’"
Challenging the Status Quo
According to a 2023 report, female athletes in track and field earn an average of 21 times less than their male counterparts. This disparity is a major hurdle for women’s sports, and Athlos is determined to change that. Every participant in the event earns a cash prize, with the top prize being doubled to $60,000. Additionally, each athlete will receive a share of the revenue generated by the event, a move aimed at promoting equity in women’s sports.
The Future of Women’s Sports
The event was a celebration of the progress made in women’s sports, with some of the biggest names from this year’s Olympics taking part. Reigning Olympic champion Gabby Thomas ran the 200-meter dash, finishing second behind Paris 2024 bronze medalist Britney Brown. "Everyone here is getting paid tonight," said Thomas. "Why does that matter? That matters a lot because it’s equity in women’s sports. We work really hard, and track and field is in such a good place right now where we can actually move the sport forward and drive competition."
A New Era in Women’s Sports
As the evening drew to a close, the athletes reflected on the significance of Athlos. "This is honestly a blessing for all of us that we’re able to be in an era where the sport is changing and diversifying," said Brown. "I hope this is something that happens every year and they invite different women every year to be competitive."
Staying Updated
For breaking news and top stories, download the NBC News app or follow us on social media. Athlos is set to become an annual event, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this exciting new platform.
