Generous Rewards Secured by Top-tier Global Athletes at Debut Women-exclusive Athlos Competition
Organized by entrepreneur and co-founder of Reddit, Alexis Ohanian, the track and field meet aims to showcase the top female athletes globally and rewards race victors with a significant $60,000. This amount surpasses the current prize money at the Diamond League finale, as reported by Reuters. Moreover, the victors of each race are granted a custom Tiffany crown.
Ohanian, husband of tennis legend Serena Williams, expresses his ambition for the event to trigger a new era in women's sports. As per Reuters, he previously stated, "I asked these women, 'Hey, what is your top prize at the end of a season for winning?' They said $30,000. I said, 'Great, I'm going to double it for one single race.'"
Triple Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas was among the world-class athletes participating on Thursday. Regrettably, she was outdone by fellow American Brittany Brown in the 200m.
Brown expressed her excitement about the sport's evolution and growth, stating, "I feel like this sport is really changing and growing. I'm excited to be a part of it."
Kenyan world record holder Faith Kipyegon, who clinched her third consecutive Olympic title this year, emerged victorious in the 1500m, while Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino secured the 400m title.
Ohanian, who has also invested heavily in NWSL side Angel City FC, aspires to amplify the event and raise the profile of women's sports. Speaking to Reuters, he stated, "Women athletes – and, in this example, with track – are just way more compelling. I have a 'spidey sense' for where there are hyper-engaged communities of fans, and women's sports has them in droves."
Ohanian's establishment and advocacy for Athlos adds to the growing trend of increased investment in both men's and women's track and field. Recently, the Diamond League announced plans to enhance its prize money for the 2025 season, with regular meeting prizes ranging between $30,000 and $50,000, and season finale prizes between $60,000 and $100,000.
This year, American sprint legend Michael Johnson also announced a new track and field event named Grand Slam Track, offering a substantial prize purse for athletes.
The track and field meet organized by Alexis Ohanian is dedicated to showcasing the skills of top female athletes and rewards them generously, with victors receiving a significant $60,000. Expressing his passion for women's sports, Ohanian aspires to amplify their visibility and enhance prize money, drawing parallels to the growing trend in track and field events.
