Athlos NYC: A New Era for Women's Track with Record Prize Money

Some of the world’s top female track athletes are set to compete for unprecedented prize money as the inaugural Athlos NYC event kicks off on Thursday. American Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas and Kenyan 1,500m world record holder Faith Kipyegon headline the women’s-only track invitational, which is poised to redefine financial rewards in the sport.

Launched by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, who is also the husband of tennis legend Serena Williams, Athlos NYC boasts a groundbreaking $500,000 (£374,000) prize pool— the largest ever for a women’s track meet. Winners across six disciplines will walk away with $60,000 (£44,900) each, a sharp contrast to the $15,000 (£11,200) first prize offered in the Diamond League’s 15 series meetings, which rises to $30,000 (£22,400) for the final.

"I asked these women, 'What is your top prize at the end of a season?' And they said $30,000," Ohanian told Reuters. "So I said, 'Great, I’m going to double it for one single race.'"

The meet will feature 36 athletes competing at Icahn Stadium across the 100m, 200m, 400m, 100m hurdles, 800m, and 1500m. British athletes Daryll Neita and Katie Snowden will represent the UK in the 100m and 1500m events, respectively.

In addition to the prize money, winners will receive a prestigious crown designed by Tiffany & Co., making the event a blend of athletic excellence and luxury.

Elevating Women’s Sports

Ohanian’s vision for Athlos NYC aligns with his broader commitment to raising the profile of women’s sports, following his investment in Angel City FC, the most expensive women’s sports team in the world. His belief in the growing influence of women athletes is at the core of his mission. “You just look at the follower counts, you look at the engagement. Women athletes—and in this example, with track—are way more compelling," he said.

For Gabby Thomas, the event represents more than just a race. "This is bigger than myself and it’s bigger than this race," said Thomas, who won three gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. "It’s about what we’re doing for women’s sports and what this event, in particular, means for women’s sport and for track and field."

New Frontiers in Athletics

Athlos NYC arrives at a pivotal moment for athletics, as the sport sees increasing investment. For the first time, World Athletics will pay Olympic champions at the Paris Games this year. Further, American track legend Michael Johnson recently announced the launch of a lucrative Grand Slam track league set to begin in 2025, offering $12.6 million (£9.9 million) in prize money. Even the Diamond League has committed to raising its prize money for the 2025 season.

Ohanian sees this competition as a sign of positive momentum. "It’s a great sign when there are other people seeing what you’re doing and racing to be a part of it too," he said.

With a star-studded lineup, record-breaking prizes, and a mission to elevate women’s sports, Athlos NYC is poised to make history and set a new benchmark for track and field competitions around the world.