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If you’re experiencing withdrawal from the dynamic excitement of track and field showcased at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, there’s an upcoming event that promises to deliver thrilling action.
This week, some of the world’s fastest women will converge for an unprecedented track and field competition. Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, the inaugural Athlos NYC will unite Olympic champions and world record-holders in a unique women’s-only event designed to redefine the sport and celebrate its athletes.
Curious about the details? Here’s what you need to know about this exciting new track meet.
When and where will Athlos take place?
Mark your calendars! The Athlos event is scheduled for Thursday, September 26, at Icahn Stadium in New York City. Nestled on Randall’s Island, this venue accommodates 5,000 spectators and also serves as the home ground for the New York City Football Club.
What inspired the creation of Athlos?
The announcement of this landmark event came in the spring, when Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit and spouse to tennis superstar Serena Williams, revealed his venture capital firm, Seven Seven Six, was investing in women’s track through the 776 Invitational. He noted in an interview with ESPN that he began observing trends within professional track and field and recognized a significant gap in media attention and broadcast opportunities beyond the Olympic season.
“Every four years, during the Olympics, this sport garners significant attention, only for it to fade from view afterward,” Ohanian explained to ESPN.
Ohanian, who also holds ownership stakes in Angel City FC and the Los Angeles Golf Club, analyzed the structure of the Diamond League—the elite circuit for professional track and field athletes. His outreach to athletes revealed a need for improvement in the sport’s visibility and funding. One of his key connections was with Olympic 200-meter champion Gabby Thomas, who became instrumental in the establishment of Athlos NYC.
“Track and field faces chronic underfunding, particularly in non-Olympic years. Having a supporting platform like this can provide much-needed resources to athletes and foster greater engagement with the sport, ultimately enhancing its appeal,” Thomas remarked to ESPN.
The event’s name, Athlos, derives from the Greek term for “contest” or “trial,” which aptly represents its competitive spirit.
What races are on the schedule?
Athlos will feature six thrilling races: the 100-meter hurdles, 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, 800 meters, and 1500 meters. This curated lineup offers a more streamlined schedule compared to typical elite meets, which often include various events spanning longer distances.
Fans can expect fierce competition as prominent athletes take their marks. Notable participants include Gabby Thomas and Olympic bronze medalist Brittany Brown in the 200 meters; 800-meter world champion Mary Moraa and US champion Nia Akins in the 800 meters; and three-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon in the 1500 meters, among other elite competitors. In total, 36 talented women will grace the starting lines.
What sets Athlos apart from other track events?
Athlos distinguishes itself by being exclusively focused on female athletes. Furthermore, it will offer the largest prize purse in women’s track history, according to ESPN. Prize money will be awarded to the top six finishers for each race, with the champion taking home $60,000, the runner-up receiving $25,000, and the third place finisher earning $10,000, followed by $8,000 for fourth, $5,000 for fifth, and $2,500 for sixth. Recent comments from Ohanian also indicate that an additional $60,000 will be awarded to athletes who secure gold medals in Paris.
Source
www.self.com