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London is trying its best to bring the athletic glory back. Over the years, the country has been the epicenter for some major sporting events. Out of them, the most notable ones are the ICC Cricket World Cup and, of course, the Olympics. On both occasions, the reception from the crowd and the manner in which the events were pulled off were phenomenal. Hosting the World Athletics Championships back in 2017, the event was filled with some of the most iconic moments in sporting history. For example, it saw Usain Bolt’s final race, where he lost to Justin Gatlin and Christian Coleman, with the crowd booing Gatlin. It also saw Mo Farah’s home farewell, where Farah won gold in the 10000m and silver in the 5000m. Thus, in order to take mainstream athletics and track and field to the next level, London will now be looking for…

It’s bidding to host the World Athletics Championships in 2029. And this is not something new for London, though it’s exciting. As there are some added caveats that have come up as the authorities conducted a feasibility analysis. Teaming up with Athletic Ventures, UK Sport, and the London Marathon Events has come to a lucrative conclusion. If London manages to win the bid, the impact it will have on the social and economic sphere will be that of a whopping £400 million! 

Now then, such a confident stance from the authorities stems from the impeccable success the event had in previous years. Back in 2017, all the sessions of the World Athletics Championships were sold out. Thus, the general consensus going around is that this time too, the event will be a massive hit. Well, up until this point, things are looking quite rosy for London. But the situation is far more complicated than it seems. In order to secure the bid, a lot depends on government funding. 

The UKA will be eyeing securing funding of £45 million from the government. But according to a report published in The Times earlier this month, the UKA will have to toil extremely hard to secure the funding. And more concerningly, if by chance the government refuses to help, then the possibility of London hosting the 2029 World Athletics Championships will be nipped in the bud. However, as London looks to bank on athletics, new players in the game like ATHLOS and Grand Slam Track are coming up rapidly to take track and field to a new level. 

How Athlos and GST are aiming to spark the revolution that track and field needs

Track and field isn’t standing still anymore. Rather, it’s sprinting into a bold, new future. With leagues like Athlos and Grand Slam Track (GST) stepping up, the sport is getting the spotlight it deserves even in non Olympic year. Moreover, the leagues are offering athletes a real stage to shine and fans a reason to stay hooked all year long.

Alexis Ohanian’s brainchild, Athlos, is leading the charge with its clear vision to reshape the sport. Tech mogul Ohanian explained it best. He stated back in July 2024, “…when these track stars break through at the top level and a lot of people don’t know about the leagues underneath, you go, ‘oh that’s an opportunity, and that’s where I want to invest.’…..In sport, it’s not about the owners but the athletes. It’s human beings putting their entire lives doing a kids game at such a level that me or you can’t fathom. Do right by the athletes, and everything else follows.” By introducing team-based competitions and prioritizing athlete well-being, Athlos is giving the sport a more dynamic, professional edge that’s been somewhat missing.

At the same time, Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track is putting athletes front and center. With a bold declaration, Johnson stated last year “It’s providing the fans and the athletes what they’ve been asking for.” Narrating the aim of GST, Johnson further added, “I think there’s a real opportunity here. They’re frustrated at an all-time level with the sport at the elite level, the way it’s been over the last couple of years, where they’re not compensated and recognized for their tremendous talent.” On one hand, GST is tapping into entertainment, creating major events that feel bigger, bolder, and built for a global audience. On the other hand, Johnson is trying to make sure that the athletes are rewarded with what they truly deserve.

Together, Athlos and GST are part of a larger wave that’s shaking up the scene. Track and field is no longer just a seasonal spectacle. It’s indeed becoming a sport with staying power.