Move over Diamond League; there’s a new kid on the block! Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian’s ambitious project, the Athlos NYC, was a massive success and some track and field stars believe it might have even pulled a quick one over one of the sport’s biggest events. The Gabby Thomas-led event wowed fans with its spectacular action, and one community celebrity believes Athlos is here to stay.

Three-time Olympic medalist and University of Florida alum William Claye took to social media on September 27 to take a dig at the Diamond League. The prestigious tournament takes place over months and makes multiple halts at cities all over the world before hosting a season-closing finale. But Claye believes the Athlos could easily usurp the League’s elite status.

Just hours after the emphatic conclusion of the inaugural edition of Ohanian’s latest venture at the iconic Icahn Stadium, Claye sneered that Athlos made the Diamond League look like “the ghetto“. Considering how Ohanian promised to pay the gold medalists a large prize money of $60,000 at his event, many track and field connoisseurs were convinced that the event would elevate women’s sports to a whole new level. With that in mind, Claye’s jeer isn’t entirely misplaced.

On the other hand, the Diamond League pays about $30,000 to its winners. The disparity between the Athlos and the World Athletics event in terms of payment was something that caught the eyes of many community members from around the world. However, everyone was waiting to see if Ohanian & Co. could deliver on their promises. Now that it’s evident that Athlos can walk the talk, jibes like Claye’s were bound to come.

But Will isn’t the only one who has been mesmerized by what the Athlos NYC brought to the table for the track and field fans. From experiencing the enigma that is Gabby Thomas in action for the first time since the 2024 Paris Olympics, to seeing Kenya’s iconic Faith Kipyegon bag a gold, incredible scenes unfolded in New York on September 26, and everyone present in the stands was justifiably enthralled.

Ohanian’s Athlos NYC is here to bring balance to the sport

For Jamaican middle-distance runner Aisha Praught-Leer, the event was more than just another track meet. Instead, she was enticed by how Ohanian sought to bring equality to the sport by paying the female competitors staggeringly high amounts. Just before the Athlos kicked off, Praught-Lee voiced her elation at seeing how the women-only event attempted to raise the bar high. “If you were a woman in sport you’re just kind of like who also ran. This has totally changed. Now, the females are the stars,” she noted. And her opinion was soon backed up by another icon!

3x Olympic gold medalist Gail Devers said she felt like the competitors were being treated like “Royalty” by Ohanian and his henchmen. “What Alexis has been able to do with this meet, in one night, is give access and opportunity, and hope to kids, to everyone,” sounded Devers’ jubilant voice, and we’re inclined to agree!

Along with the massive cash prize, the gold medalists also received a special crown that sealed their queen status, making everyone present feel the emotions flowing. Celebrities like rapper Flavor Flav and GoT-famed Nathalie Emmanuel also added more flair and oomph to the stands. What was your favorite moment from last night’s titular event? Tell us with a comment of your own!