Serena Williams’ husband Alexis Ohanian is an ardent follower and supporter of women in sports. Aside from being his wife’s biggest cheerleader, he is also keenly invested in highlighting female athletes and putting them on the map. Thus, it came as no surprise when he decided to host a track and field event exclusive to women athletes.
The event, known as Athlos, will take place at the Icahn Stadium in New York on September 26, 2024. It will feature 36 athletes taking part in six events – 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m races, along with 100m hurdles. Each race has a total prize pool of $110,000.
The winner will receive $60,000 in prize money, while the runner-up will get $25,000. Coming in third place will fetch $10,000, and a fourth place finish will earn $8,000. Players coming in fifth and sixth place will get $5,000 and $2,500 respectively.
Some of the fastest women in sports are set to partake in Athlos. Gabby Thomas, who won three gold medals, including one in 200m, at this year’s Paris Olympics, is one of the star attractions. Fellow Olympic gold medalists Alexis Holmes and Faith Kipyegon are also in the fray in their respective events.
The star-studded event not only features the leading ladies of athletics but also several other high-profile names in attendance. Megan Thee Stallion is set to bring the event to a close with a live performance. Ohanian aims to popularize the sport with this venture, and hopes that more women will be inspired to run after this.
Serena Williams’ husband Alexis Ohanian hopes to drum up support for women athletes following Athlos
Alexis Ohanian shared his thoughts on what he wants to achieve in the lead-up to Athlos. In an interview with AdWeek, he stated that he wants to change the perception of women’s sports in general.
“In sports, so many decisions are determined by past precedent, doing things the way they have always been done. In the world of tech startups, if you think that way, you fail. With Athlos, we are questioning every element and building the best version of the product possible,” – Alexis Ohanian on Athlos.
This isn’t Ohanian’s first time dabbling in women’s sports. Along with his wife Serena Williams, he was one of the lead investors in Angel City FC, a team in the National Women’s Soccer League. He also encourages his daughter, Olympia, to try out different sports as well.
Edited by Rohit
