Alexis Ohanian charges forward with a new quest, and Serena Williams has his back! A few days ago, it was Ohanian cheering for Williams as she took on a new role at the ESPYs of 2024, debuting as a host. However, now it is the turn of the 24 Grand Slam champion to do the same for Ohanian as he dives into his latest endeavor in the women’s only track league. Williams’ social media post suggests that she is there to support him every step of the way!
The Reddit co-founder is no stranger to exploring uncharted territories, and combining sports with innovation is possibly one of his best works. Take the launch of Athlos NYC, a women’s-only track (that is all set to begin on September 26 this year), as an example. But there are more surprises to come! Ohanian has also welcomed a fresh face to the league, Faith Kipyegon, who is a two-time Olympic gold medalist. Promoting the same on her Instagram story, Williams has once again proven that Ohanian can count on his wife as he pushes his boundaries.
Track and field enjoys a surge in viewership during the Olympics in the US, but struggles to maintain that interest throughout the rest of the year. Ohanian, who successfully capitalized on the American enthusiasm for women’s soccer with Angel City FC, believes he can replicate that success and elevate track and field’s profile beyond the Olympics.
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We're putting the spotlight on the world's greatest athletes.
Meet @athlos.
The talent is there, so it's time we capture it with the first-of-its-kind women's-only track event happening this September in NYC.
Thank you to @GMA for having me this morning, it was an honor to… pic.twitter.com/uTNTFqVbIm
— Alexis Ohanian 🇦🇲 (@alexisohanian) July 16, 2024
“We know that the American women in track are historically and unabashedly great. I can market greatness all day long,” Ohanian said. “So why not create an event for these athletes? Imagine U.S. Open night match energy. Fans have got a few drinks in them, everybody’s having a good time, and it’s the largest purse in the history.”
The plan of Athlos is three-fold. The competition will be limited to women’s track events, with only six events offered: 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, 100-meter hurdles, 800 meters, and 1,500 meters. Athlos’ first athlete inked is Gabby Thomas, who is the American queen of the 200 meters. She will be joined by Alexis Holmes( 400-meter), and Kipyegon(1500-meter), on the roster of 36 athletes.
Second, the substantial amount of prize money that they might bring back is no less than $60, 000! Third, instead of focusing solely on the athletic purity, Athlos NYC aims to transform track and field into a major spectacle. They plan to achieve this by bringing in a big-name entertainer (entertainment headliner), adding a DJ to the event atmosphere, creating a visually dazzling broadcast presentation. But for Ohanian, “It’s really just the start.”
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Serena Williams backing Alexis Ohanian—Is this the ultimate power couple in sports?
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From taking a 16-week paternity leave when Olympia was born and being there for his family to showing up in Williams’ tennis matches, Ohanian is possibly the right-hand man to his wife. It was observed during the ESPYs Award as well!
Ohanian shows her support for Williams at the ESPYs
“Ready for the ESPYs,” Ohanian declared in his Instagram video, before showing up in the award show. “All right. On my way to ESPYs. See you on the carpet,” the next post read. That was only the beginning. As the couple, along with their older daughter, reached the venue, they became an instant hit at the event.
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Even during the event, as Williams continued with hosting, the camera frequently panned to Ohanian, whose expressions and nods at his wife were quite entertaining for fans who adored him for it. Ohanian once confessed, “You have to show up. You have to be supportive. These are the things that matter.”
While he continues to show up for his wife, Serena Williams also continues to cheer him on with all her might!
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Serena Williams backing Alexis Ohanian—Is this the ultimate power couple in sports?