Athlos: Empowering Female Athletes in Track and Field
Track and field has long been a sport that captivates audiences every four years during the Olympic Games. However, for the remaining 207 weeks of the cycle, athletes often fade into obscurity outside of the athletics community. Recognizing this issue, various initiatives have been put in place to maintain the sport’s visibility and relevance year-round.
One such initiative is the Grand Slam Track league, founded by the legendary Michael Johnson. This lucrative league, set to kick off in 2025, will feature four races annually with a substantial prize pool exceeding $12 million, offering $100,000 to top finishers. Additionally, World Athletics announced the Ultimate Championships, a prestigious event slated for Budapest in 2026, showcasing the best talents in the sport. The Diamond League, a premier annual series, is also increasing its gender-equal prize money to elevate the profile of track and field.
Amidst these developments, a groundbreaking event emerged on the horizon – Athlos. This female-only athletics meet, launched by tech entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian, aims to provide a platform for some of the world’s finest female athletes. With a notable lineup including Olympic sprint champion Gabby Thomas and record-breaking 1500m runner Faith Kipyegon, Athlos offers a considerable prize purse of $60,000 to each race winner.
The decision to host a female-only event in a traditionally mixed-gender sport like track and field is a bold move by Ohanian. While some may argue for integrated competitions to showcase the sport holistically, the unique approach of Athlos brings much-needed attention to female athletes who often struggle to garner recognition outside of their respective sports circles.
Gabby Thomas’s remarkable success at Paris 2024 exemplifies the disparity in visibility between male and female athletes. Despite her outstanding achievements, Thomas remains relatively unknown to the wider public, underscoring the challenges faced by women in sports. Athlos seeks to address this disparity by providing a dedicated platform for female athletes to shine and receive the recognition they deserve.
Ohanian’s commitment to promoting women’s sport extends beyond Athlos. As a founding investor in Angel City FC and The Sports Bra, he has demonstrated a genuine interest in empowering women in sports. By investing in initiatives that support female athletes, Ohanian is paving the way for greater inclusivity and equality in the sports industry.
The inaugural Athlos event was not just a typical athletics meet; it was a spectacle that showcased the talent and charisma of female athletes. With Grammy Award-winning artist Megan Thee Stallion headlining the entertainment and each athlete receiving their own walk-on song, Athlos transformed into a must-see event that captivated audiences and celebrated women in sports.
Moving forward, the success of Athlos will be pivotal in determining the impact it has on increasing the visibility of female athletes. By providing a platform for women to showcase their talents and receive the investment they deserve, Athlos has the potential to revolutionize the way women’s sports are perceived and appreciated.
In conclusion, initiatives like Athlos are essential in bridging the gap between male and female athletes and elevating the profile of women in sports. By recognizing the inherent value and competitiveness of female athletes, we can create a more inclusive and equitable sporting landscape that celebrates talent regardless of gender. Athlos represents a step in the right direction towards empowering women in sports and inspiring future generations of athletes to pursue their dreams without limitations.
