Female-only track startup Athlos is gaining traction in its second year in New York, adding new sponsors, expanding its program with a field event, and laying the groundwork for a multimeet calendar in 2026.
The concept, which is the brainchild of Reddit founder and women's sports entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian, appears to be going from strength to strength.
"We had probably three times, probably four times revenue this year, as a result of the fact that we were able to declare victory with that first event," said Ohanian, who said 3 million tuned in for the inaugural 2024 meet.
He retained existing sponsors Toyota and Tiffany & Co, while adding new brands, including mobile payment platform Cash App, to provide athletes with prize money "literally when the score is logged."
The remark raised eyebrows at the Manhattan news conference on Thursday, especially since the fortunes of another track startup have nosedived in recent months.
The Michael Johnson-fronted Grand Slam Track cut its inaugural season short this year and owed its athletes millions in prize money months after the final meet, amid financial woes.
Asked about their mismatched fortunes, Ohanian struck a diplomatic tone.
"The reason this league is going to be successful is because of the athletes," he said. "And once you understand that, you build from that.
"You can't go too wrong if you're prioritizing the athletes, and I never lose sight of that."
The approach has lured a number of big names to New York's Icahn Stadium for Friday's meet, with 1,500-meter world record-holder and three-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon and Britain 800-meter Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson among the competitors.
The meet also upped the ante with a dazzling Times Square long jump competition on Thursday, headlined by charismatic Olympic and world champion Tara Davis-Woodhall, who enjoys viral popularity on social media.
"Never in a lifetime would I ever expect to be jumping in the middle of Times Square," the American said.
Ohanian said he plans to announce meet locations for a new "team format" in 2026, after bringing Davis-Woodhall, three-time Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas and former 100-meter world champion Sha'Carri Richardson on as owner-advisors.
"What's crucial for us is let's grow this thing intentionally," said Ohanian.
"The most important thing here is we build something that is sustainable and durable."
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