ATHLOS: ATHLOS NYC Revolutionizing Women's Track and Field as the World’s Top Women Sprinters Shine at Iconic Event

Photos by: Annie Schutz

On September 26th, 2024, ATHLOS NYC made history at the iconic Icahn Stadium, bringing together the fastest women in the world for a one-of-a-kind track and field event. Backed by Seven Seven Six, the venture capital firm founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, ATHLOS NYC aimed to push the boundaries of women’s sports by offering the largest prize purse ever for a women-only track event.

Featuring a star-studded lineup of Olympic and world champion athletes such as Gabby Thomas, Faith Kipyegon, and Masai Russell, the event also secured partnerships with major global brands like Toyota Motor North America, Spectrum, and Therabody.

In addition to the thrilling competition and entertainment, ATHLOS NYC aimed to shift how women's sports, particularly track and field, are perceived and supported. With a growing appetite for women's sports coverage, ATHLOS NYC took significant steps to make the event widely accessible. Partnerships with streaming platforms like YouTube, X, ESPN+, and DAZN allowed fans across the globe to tune in live, while a broadcast on ESPN2 ensured even broader reach. This commitment to accessibility reflects ATHLOS’ larger mission: to bring women's track and field to the forefront of the sports world.

Check out some of the star athletes and guests on the carpet!

Another innovative aspect of ATHLOS NYC was its commitment to athlete equity. While traditional prize structures typically reward only top finishers, ATHLOS redistributed 10% of event revenues equally among all participants. This approach not only ensures fair compensation for athletes but also challenges the status quo, where the spotlight and financial rewards are often limited to a select few. By doing so, ATHLOS aims to empower all athletes, regardless of where they place.

100mh

1. Danielle Williams (Jamaica) 

2. Alaysha Johnson (United States) 

3. Charisma Taylor (Bahamas) 

4. Masai Russell  (United States)

5. WINNER: Jasmine Camacho-Quinn (Puerto Rico)

6. Tonea Marshall (United States)

100m

1. Zoe Hobbs (New Zealand) 

2. Celera Barnes (United States) 

3. Candace Hill (United States)

4. WINNER: Marie Josée Ta Lou (CÔTE D’IVOIRE) 

5. Brittany Brown (United States)

6. Daryl Neita (Great Britain)

200m

1. Torrie Lewis (Australia) 

2. Jenna Prandini (United States) 

3. Tamara Clark (United States)

4. WINNER: Brittany Brown (United States)

5. Gabby Thomas (United States) 

6. Anavia Battle (United States)

400m

1. Leike Klaver (Netherlands) 

2. WINNER: Mariledy Paulino (Dominican Republic) 

3. Salwa Naser (Bahrain) 

4. Lynna Irby-Jackson (United States) 

5. Shamier Little (United States) 

6. Alexis Holmes (United States)

800m

1. Natoya Goule-Toppin (Jamaica) 

2. Halimah Nakaayi (Uganda) 

3. Nia Akins (United States) 

4. WINNER: Tsige Duguma (Ethiopia) 

5. Mary Moraa (Kenya) 

6. Addy Wiley (United States)

1500m

1. WINNER: Faith Kipyegon (Kenya) 

2. Katie Snowden (Great Britain) 

3. Gudaf Tseguy (Ethiopia) 

4. Dribe Welteji (Ethiopia) 

5. Cory McGee (United States) 

6. Susan Ejore (Kenya)

ATHLOS, which means "athlete" in ancient Greek, is not just another track meet—it’s a fusion of elite competition and entertainment, with performances by Megan Thee Stallion and DJ D-Nice, creating a festival-like atmosphere. With six thrilling races and an innovative prize structure that rewards all participants, ATHLOS NYC is reshaping the landscape of women’s track and field by combining world-class competition with an unparalleled fan experience.

In addition to the on-track action, ATHLOS NYC partnered with cutting-edge brands and launched first-of-their-kind innovations, such as race bibs designed specifically for women. The event was broadcast globally through platforms like YouTube, ESPN+, and DAZN, ensuring track fans worldwide could witness this groundbreaking celebration of speed and female athleticism.