In the heart of the world’s financial capital, Brittany Brown pulled double duty at Icahn Stadium. She was competing in two events at the eagerly awaited Athlos NYC, the first of its kind in the sports world. In the 100-meter event, she had to face Marie Josée Ta Lou-Smith’s experience and pace. Later in the evening, she had to counter Gabby Thomas in the 200-meter marquee event. The latter showdown was particularly personal for Brown, who was looking for redemption after losing to Thomas at the Paris Olympics. When the event wrapped up, Brown walked away with $110,000—earned by sheer determination. 

At first in the 100m event, she chased Ta Lou-Smith to the finishing line and grabbed the runner-up position. That gained her $25,000. One hour later, she returned to the track with more fire in her belly against Gabby. Ultimately, the 29-year-old defeated the Olympic champion to take the crown (custom-made by Tiffany & Co.) and $60,000 as prize money. However, the job had never been easy against Thomas. 

In the 200-meter event, Gabby kept her pace thoroughly. The expectation was to see her pressing the accelerator in the last 50m, which is most common in her races. But she lost her pace in the final 10m where Brittany caught her from behind, coming from lane 7. In the end, the LED scoreboard displayed, 1) Brittany Brown (22:18), 2) Gabby Thomas (22.21). Just a three-second gap barred the three-time Olympic champion from placing her hands on the title of the contest that she had been promoting since mid-year.

Despite the thrilling victory, Brown remained humble in her post-race reflection. She steadfastly noted, “I’m just really appreciative of everyone’s support and us women and I’m just happy to be a part of this.” It is worth mentioning that Brittany became the sole American athlete to claim first place at an Athlos NYC event with her triumph tonight. 

Brittany Brown’s effort shone even brighter, as she showed no signs of fatigue heading into the 200m event, despite having just run the 100m an hour earlier. Her composure on the track was impressive, especially considering that just a week earlier, on September 14, she took the top spot in the women’s 200m at the Diamond League final. And tonight, she wowed the crowd yet again by delivering her season-best performance in the 100m with a blazing 11.05 seconds.

That’s been the story of the 29-year-old’s summer—one success after another. And her triumph tonight? The perfect cherry on top. Isn’t that a fairy tale? Even Brittany thinks so. At the winner’s table, she shared, “It’s been an amazing season. I finish this race with a win, and I cannot thank the fans for coming out, the first inaugural event for all women.” Still, those in the know weren’t too surprised to see her dominate. After all, with her passion and dedication to the sport, how could she not?

Brittany Brown carries off a message with her every time 

In 2023, Brittany Brown was diagnosed with endometriosis, a health situation that left her reeling in pain for a decade. However, she didn’t feel herself kept meek in the corner because of all those barricades. Rather, she started to share her story to spread awareness. Brown went to the extent, saying, “To all the women who have health problems, to all the women suffering from endometriosis, SPOK (polycystic ovary syndrome), to all the athletes who have contacted me saying: ‘Nobody looks at me, the coaches don’t pay attention to me’, I’m with you, because I’m one of you.” She has yet to find a cure for her physical issues. 

Still, she is living her athletic self fully on the track, doing her part as the beacon. Competing in the first women-only track contest adds a page to that book. On that topic, the California native further laid out, “I think it’s important for women’s sports to go out and try something. Especially in track. We’ve got to get a way for people to watch outside the Olympics. I’m all for trying different stuff.” With her summer now ending on such a high note, what’s next for Brown? A victory parade awaits her in Claremont on October 2. Isn’t that the perfect way to celebrate?