The ATHLOS NYC meeting was a huge success.
In this article, Deji Ogeyingbo suggests what we learned from the meeting, and that this success could lead to a global series of entertainment based athletics meetings, revolutionizing the sport!
Athlos NYC, a Revolutionary Shift in Track and Field
In late September, amidst the electric energy of New York City, an innovative track and field event emerged, reshaping how fans and athletes engage with the sport. Athlos NYC, co-founded by Alexis Ohanian, has offered a fresh and exhilarating format to track and field enthusiasts. The event featured 36 elite women competing across six events: the 100m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1,500m. The competition was not only intense but also groundbreaking, merging sports and entertainment in a way that has long been sought after in track and field.
For decades, track and field has struggled with maintaining a consistent fan base outside of major competitions like the Olympics and World Championships. Despite being one of the most ancient and universal sports, its appeal has often been limited to these marquee events. Athlos NYC, however, may have just cracked the code, offering a format that attracts both die-hard fans and casual spectators. The event had high stakes and glamour, with over $663,000 in prize money up for grabs, including a hefty $60,000 for event winners. This dwarfs the prize money offered by traditional Diamond League events and provides a glimpse into the lucrative potential that smaller, non-global meets could offer athletes year-round.
The event also targeted two distinct audiences. One is what Athlos organizers describe as the “core to more” strategy, where loyal track fans bring a friend who may not usually follow the sport outside the Olympics. The other is the fan who only watches track during the Olympic Games. This dual-target approach aims to broaden the sport’s appeal, turning casual viewers into consistent fans while keeping core supporters engaged. It’s a tactic that could help track and field gain the year-round relevance that other sports like basketball or football enjoy.
Athlos NYC was not just about competition; it was about the experience. Fans in the stadium were treated to an entertainment spectacle with rapper Megan Thee Stallion performing to an almost sold-out crowd inside the iconic Icahn stadium. It blended the tradition of track and field with the allure of showmanship. After each race, athletes weren’t simply given medals or bouquets. Instead, they were crowned champions and participated in a victory dance to a song of their choice. This added a unique flair that brought personality and fun to the event, making it more engaging for spectators who might not have been as invested in the sport before.
On the track, the competition did not disappoint, with a series of upsets adding drama to the day. In the women’s 200 meters, Brittany Brown stunned the crowd by defeating meet organizer and star athlete Gabby Thomas. Another upset came in the 800 meters, where 600-meter world record holder and Diamond League champion Mary Mora lost to Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma. These surprises added an extra layer of excitement, proving that even seasoned champions could face challenges in this new, high-stakes format.
What sets Athlos apart is its ability to provide athletes with a new platform to compete at the highest level while earning significant prize money. Traditionally, athletes had to rely on major events like the Olympics or the World Championships for a substantial payday. But with Athlos offering purses that outshine even the prestigious Diamond League, the meet provides athletes with more opportunities to earn a living through the sport. This could be a game-changer, not only for athletes but also for the sport itself, as it provides an incentive for top competitors to participate in more events throughout the year.
While the financial viability of Athlos NYC is still in question—profits may not have been realized immediately—the value it brings to the table is undeniable. The meet has shown that there is a demand for more entertainment-driven track and field events. If Athlos can expand beyond New York and into markets in Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa, it could spark a global shift in how the sport is consumed, turning what was once a seasonal interest into a year-round spectacle.
Athlos NYC has the potential to revolutionize track and field, providing athletes with more competitive opportunities and bringing the sport closer to the casual fan. The entertainment-focused format and the substantial prize money are exactly what the sport needs to break free from its dependence on major Championships.
