Alexis Ohanian’s passion project, Athlos NYC, is almost here. Set for September 26 at New York’s Icahn Stadium, this Gabby Thomas-led event promises more than meets the eye. It’s the first women-only track event, sparking major excitement. With icons like Brittany Brown and Alexis Holmes on the roster, it’s shaping up to be a thrilling day of athletics in New York City. The math is as simple as two plus two equals four. Ohanian wanted to go big with the event. Therefore, his first choice approach was the three-time Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas.

The Harvard alumnus is a phenomenon in the 100m and 200m sprint categories—a sprinting giant of some kind. However, the only person who can be on par with Thomas is most likely Brittany Brown. Yes, the Olympian who chooses to keep a low profile could be the one to look Gabby straight in the eye. Moreover, given the recent records, Brown is one of the top contenders and the only athlete to participate in two events. Therefore, her chances of winning aren’t low, and this event could give her the overdue share of the spotlight… maybe even clinch her the second spot with a winning purse of $25,000, if not the first!

Despite initial skepticism around the grand plans, Athlos is gaining support. Tackling the issue of low payouts for champion athletes has been a game-changer. Only top athletes like Noah Lyles and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone earn enough to go pro, full-time. For the rest, everything becomes a test of time and skill sets. So, many have welcomed this bold move, eager to see how it shakes up the sport. Many agree that doubling the prize money and surpassing the elite Diamond League is a great first step.

Athlos NYC has doubled the Diamond League’s prize money, offering $60,000 to winners compared to the league’s $30,000. With six women-only events, athletes in each race will earn prizes, from $60,000 for the first to $2,500 for the sixth. This prize structure surpasses the Diamond League’s payouts at every level. While Diamond League winners could earn up to $200,000 by winning all 14 legs, Athlos NYC adds an extra incentive. Winners will also receive 10% of ticket sales revenue, making it the highest-paid women’s track event ever. Therefore, Brittany Brown, Masai Russell, and others have a lot to look out for at the upcoming event.

How can the Athlos NYC be a major turning point for Brittany Brown?

A slow climb in the sport, multiple injuries, and an endometriosis diagnosis couldn’t take away the champion-like tendencies from Brittany Brown. She became a household in 2024, which marks her pinnacle form in the world of athletics. However, Brown’s journey to the Olympic bronze medal has been rather quiet. She prefers to keep a low profile through and through—rather, her talent speaks on her behalf. When she began pursuing sprint as a career, she came onto the track without sponsorship, so you can guess how difficult it must have been for Brittany Brown in her initial days.

Despite bagging the silverware at the World Athletics Championship in 2019, Brown chose the dim lights. However, 2024 became the peak year of her career. After shocking fans with a 200m win at the 2024 Oslo Diamond League, Brittany Brown set a personal best of 21.90 at the US Olympic Trials in June, securing her spot at the Paris Games behind Gabby Thomas. The University of Iowa alumna proudly claimed her place on the podium with a bronze medal around her neck.

Brittany Brown never won a track title, didn’t attend a top track school, or landed a shoe deal out of college. She was always good, but her greatness wasn’t obvious early on. “No one saw all this at a young age,” she told Citius Mag. “I just worked my a** off to get here despite a lot of things I dealt with.” Therefore, she’s one of the favorites for Athlos NYC. Meanwhile, participating in two events will be slightly advantageous for Brown. For the 100m race, as many are betting, she’s sure to be the winner, thus clinching the $60k prize money. However, the 200m sprint is the real deal of the show.

With Gabby Thomas also in the 200m race, it’s hard to guess who will win. Of course, stealing the spotlight from Gabby is nearly impossible, but sharing the same won’t do much harm. Moreover, Brittany would get her long-due attention because her talent has been in desperate need. The time is ticking for the Athlos to begin, and well, the excitement is on the high side. Meanwhile, who will be the ultimate athlete on the track? You better start placing your bets!