Alexis Ohanian launches women's-only track and field competition in NYC

In October, Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, announced the launch of Athlos, a women-only track and field competition, which will debut its first field event in New York City’s Times Square. Ohanian's decision to pursue investments in women's sports came despite warnings from his wife, Serena Williams, who shared her experiences in the sports arena and the challenging nature of women's competition. Nevertheless, Ohanian's passion stems from his belief in the significant potential for women athletes to engage audiences and maintain visibility beyond major competitions. Tara Davis-Woodhall, an Olympic gold medalist, joined Ohanian to ensure that field events receive the attention they deserve, often overlooked in the track and field domain. She emphasized the importance of these events and expressed her eagerness to contribute to the Athlos competition, which will be less conventional and aim to highlight all athletic disciplines within the sport. Ohanian compared the long jump to the basketball three-point line, illustrating the athletic skill required for such events. Furthermore, Ohanian reflected on how his marriage to Williams opened his eyes to the financial viability of women’s sports. He described women’s tennis as a prime example of how female athletes can command market value, urging a broader perspective that goes beyond emotional investment. He remains determined to continue investing in women's sports, reinforcing his belief that these athletes should not be forgotten during off-years or between major competitions. The inaugural Athlos event is set to occur just a day prior to the main competition, showcasing both track and field events. With a focus on visibility, Ohanian hopes to captivate audiences and reignite interest in women’s sports by showcasing the extraordinary talents of athletes like Davis-Woodhall. The partnership between these two figures signifies a progressive approach to addressing the gaps in representation and support in women's sports events.