Starting on September 26th, a newly launched women’s-only track and field meet is poised to make its mark on the competitive circuit. Spearheading this event is Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and leader of the venture capital firm Seven Seven Six. The league’s allure lies in its prestige and substantial prize money. Among the competitors is Gabby Thomas, the 2023 World Athletics Championship winner in the 400m relay and Tokyo bronze medalist in the 200m. The Harvard alum recently announced her participation through Athlos’ Instagram.

Ohanian recently credited Gabby Thomas for the early success of Athlos NYC. During a celebratory event, he highlighted her pivotal role in the sports community and her significant impact on inspiring athletes. As Athlos NYC continues to grow, Thomas’s involvement exemplifies the powerful synergy between elite athletes and innovative sports initiatives.

Gabby Thomas announces participation in the 776 Invitational at Icahn Stadium

Gabby Thomas recently appeared on Athlos’ official Instagram account via a reel to announce her next venture in the track and field world. The post was captioned, “It’s official, the 776 Invitational has been revealed as Athlos’ NYC, and I’m thrilled to announce I’ll be running in September at Icahn Stadium in New York!!! I’m honored to be a part of something that revolutionizes the sport for future generations, all while competing alongside the women who inspire me every day 🤎”. This announcement came just hours after Alexis Ohanian, Serena Williams’ husband, renamed the newly launched women’s-only track league to ‘Athlos NYC,’ which is Greek for athlete. Ohanian commented under the reel, writing, “🙌Couldn’t have gotten here without you! More to do 😤”.

One of the primary draws of Athlos NYC is its grand prize money. It is reportedly set at $60,000 for first prize. $25,000 for second and $10,000 for third. Which is significantly higher than the Diamond Leagues. Ohanian explained his decision to back this venture saying, “One of the biggest reasons to start ATHLOS was because of these athletes. These women are amazing to work with, they care so much and are so dynamic; they deserve the biggest and best possible platform for their talents—yearly.” Ohanian hopes to sign many tremendous sprinters; Sha’Carri Richardson, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Athing Mu, even Alica Schmidt who is a middle-distance runner from Germany is being considered for the roster. 

He believes strongly that leaning into the personal aspects of each athlete like their personalities, rivalries and histories can make track and field more prominent amongst American fans since it is a hard sport to follow along. Especially women’s track and field which is easily overlooked. Alexis said, “A lot of people are saying this right now about women’s soccer. A lot of people are saying this right now about women’s basketball. I really believe people will be saying this about track in three years, four years. That’s why I’m investing in such a big way today.” Hopefully it will pay off in a big way. 

Why Gabby Thomas is the perfect headliner?

High off of a victory at the USATF NYC Grand Prix last month in the 200m event at Icahn Stadium where the 776 Invitational is going to be held, Gabby Thomas is the perfect example of an athlete that people can root for, both in her personal and professional life. According to NY Times, “once you come to know her — a Harvard graduate with the charm of an elegant breakfast spread, concurrently changing lives in the healthcare landscape while collecting precious medals around her neck — it’s nearly impossible not to want more.” Adding to the excitement, recently Gabby made her second Olympic team. She secured her Olympic berth by scoring a top time of 21.81. Followed by Brittany Brown with a personal best of 21.90s, and McKenzie Long at 21.91s. 

At the time, she told NBC, “This is incredible. I knew I had to get today done, and this was the first step. There is no gold medal in Paris without making the team today, so I’m just ecstatic.” Thomas even beat Sha’Carri Richardson who had a fourth place finish despite being a favorite to qualify in the event. Alongside this, she also volunteers at a clinic in Texas after having secured a master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Texas. During her collegiate days she even broke the NCAA indoor record in the women’s 200-meter. In Tokyo she had secured a bronze medal in the 200m event and a silver in the team 4x100m relay. Her whole life story makes her the perfect candidate to be the face of Athlos NYC and we’re sure fans will be eager to see more of her after her performances in Paris.