Beneath the dazzling neon glow of Times Square, six of the world’s top long jumpers took flight on Thursday night, transforming one of New York City’s busiest streets into an unlikely athletics arena.
The event marked the one-year anniversary of Athlos, a women-only track and field venture backed by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.
After debuting in New York last year, Athlos returned to the Big Apple with a bold twist, staging its long jump qualifiers in the heart of the city before the main competition resumed Friday at a traditional stadium.
Among the star attractions was reigning Olympic and world long jump champion Tara Davis-Woodhall, who headlined the Times Square spectacle.
Founded by Ohanian, who is married to tennis icon Serena Williams, Athlos was created to elevate women’s athletics and fill the visibility gap between Olympic Games.
“Track and field gets massive viewership during the Olympics,” Ohanian said. “There’s a legacy of American excellence, especially among the women, but where do they go in between? We want to bring athletics to an even bigger audience, more consistently.”
The venture has attracted major names in the sport, including Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas, former world 100m champion Sha’Carri Richardson, and Davis-Woodhall herself.
It combines elite competition with entertainment, featuring performances from artists such as R&B star Ciara. Last year’s broadcast drew an estimated three million viewers across television and social media.
Athlos also distinguishes itself with athlete-first policies, offering professional-level pay, benefits, and visibility rarely seen in track and field. Winners earn $60,000, double the standard Diamond League prize, and a $250,000 bonus is available for any world record.
Additionally, 10% of total revenue is distributed among all 39 participants, and winners receive a custom crown designed by Tiffany & Co.
“We’re getting catered to like professional athletes, and paid like professional athletes,” said U.S. Olympic 100m hurdles champion Masai Russell.
“It’s very glamorized and fun,” added Grace Stark, the Tokyo 2020 world 100m bronze medallist. “It feels professional, and you really feel like your sport is being recognized.”
Looking ahead, Ohanian revealed that by 2026, Athlos aims to expand into a global circuit featuring multiple events each year, contested by team-based lineups representing sports brands.
He envisions a strong merchandising component that could create sustainable revenue streams for the athletes.
“The sport has never really tapped into that business potential,” Ohanian said. “With this model, we can.”
While acknowledging that Athlos is not yet profitable, Ohanian said the project is a long-term investment meant to build a sustainable and athlete-centered league by the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“The goal is to build a highly profitable league,” he said. “LA 28 is a great milestone for us, we want to make big headlines going into those Games.”
With its mix of sport, spectacle, and empowerment, Athlos is redefining what women’s track and field can look like, not just on the track, but in the heart of global cities.
Source: AFP
Written By Rodney Mbua
