New Heights for Women’s Athletics: The Launch of the Athlos Event

The inaugural women-only Athlos event took place in New York on Thursday, bringing together some of the world’s premier track and field athletes. Launched by Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, this groundbreaking event aims to highlight female talent in athletics while offering significant financial rewards.

Ohanian, who is married to tennis star Serena Williams, designed the Athlos event with the intention of creating a new era for women in sports. Each race winner at Athlos is set to receive a remarkable prize of $60,000, which is double the amount awarded to winners at the Diamond League finale. In addition to the monetary reward, victorious athletes will also be presented with a custom Tiffany crown, further emphasizing the event’s prestige.

In an interview, Ohanian shared his motivation for the event. “I asked these women what their top prize was at the end of a season, and they mentioned $30,000. I thought, ‘Let’s double it for one single race,’” he explained. This commitment to elevating women’s athletics is not just about monetary prizes; it’s about recognition and respect for female athletes.

Among the standout competitors was triple Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas. Competing fiercely, she was narrowly defeated by fellow American Brittany Brown in the 200-meter race. Brown expressed her enthusiasm for the evolving landscape of women’s athletics, stating, “I feel like this sport is really changing and growing. I’m excited to be a part of it.”

The event also featured stellar performances from elite athletes, including world record holder Faith Kipyegon, who won the 1500-meter race, and Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino, who took the top spot in the 400 meters. Their victories underscore the high caliber of competition that Athlos aims to showcase.

Ohanian’s vision extends beyond this single event. Having previously invested in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team Angel City FC, he plans to further amplify the visibility and opportunities for female athletes. “If you look at the follower counts and engagement, women athletes, especially in track, are incredibly compelling,” he stated. “I have a ‘spidey sense’ for where there are hyper-engaged communities of fans, and women’s sports have them in abundance.”

The creation of Athlos aligns with a broader trend of increasing investment in track and field, for both men and women. Just recently, the Diamond League announced an uptick in its prize money for the 2025 season, with total awards ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 for regular events, and $60,000 to $100,000 for the season finale. This movement reflects a growing acknowledgment of the need for equitable support in sports.

Moreover, American sprint legend Michael Johnson has introduced a new track and field initiative called Grand Slam Track, which promises substantial financial incentives for athletes. These developments indicate a burgeoning interest in women’s athletics, positioning events like Athlos as essential to the sport’s future.

As the Athlos event set a new standard for prize money and recognition in women’s sports, it also serves as a catalyst for change in how female athletes are perceived and valued. The excitement surrounding this inaugural event illustrates the potential for growth in women’s athletics, and Ohanian’s efforts may pave the way for future innovations and opportunities in the field.

In conclusion, the Athlos event not only provides financial rewards but also celebrates the achievements and dedication of female athletes. As more initiatives like this emerge, the future looks bright for women’s athletics, promising greater visibility, engagement, and recognition.