The ‘F1 of athletics’? Athlos announces London debut
The ‘F1 of athletics’? Athlos announces London debut
The F1 of athletics Athlos announces – A groundbreaking shift in the world of track and field is set to take place as the all-female competition Athlos prepares to make its debut in London in 2026. The event, which has already established itself in New York for the third year running, aims to redefine the landscape of women’s athletics by offering more than just a race—it promises a dynamic, high-stakes experience akin to the thrill of Formula 1. Its founder, Alexis Ohanian, a Reddit co-founder and husband to tennis legend Serena Williams, has articulated a bold vision for the league: to elevate women’s track and field to the same level of prestige and financial reward as the sport’s traditional male counterparts.
Global Ambitions and Athlete Partnerships
Athlos is not merely a competition but a movement designed to spotlight the extraordinary talent of female athletes. With a prize pool of $2.1 million (£1.5 million), the event offers a unique blend of monetary incentives and equity stakes, ensuring athletes are directly invested in its success. Ohanian emphasized that this model fosters a partnership where competitors are not just participants but stakeholders in the league’s growth. “We want to create a version of the F1 experience, where the greatest athletes compete in the most iconic cities and fans gather to celebrate their excellence,” he explained to BBC Sport. “As we expand, we’re dreaming of adding more cities to make Athlos a truly global phenomenon.”
The 2026 season will mark a pivotal moment for the league, as it moves from a single-day event to a two-day format. The first London event, scheduled for 18 September, will take place at the StoneX Stadium, a venue best known for hosting rugby union matches. In New York, the Icahn Stadium will host the second leg two weeks later, further cementing the competition’s presence in major metropolitan areas. Ohanian’s venture capital firm, Seven Seven Six, which manages assets worth $900 million (£670 million), has been instrumental in funding this ambitious project. However, the firm’s strategy extends beyond financial backing, aiming to create a shared vision with the athletes who will shape its future.
Confirmed Stars and a New Era of Recognition
The lineup for the 2026 events already includes a mix of established stars and rising talents. American sprinters like Sha’Carri Richardson, Gabby Thomas, and Tara Woodhall-Davis, along with track legends such as Masai Russell and Dominican sensation Marileidy Paulino, have confirmed their participation. This diverse group represents the cutting edge of women’s athletics, and their involvement underscores the league’s potential to attract global attention. Ohanian noted that the athletes’ contributions are vital to the project’s success, as they are the driving force behind its evolution.
Among the highlights of the 2025 event, which served as a trial run for Athlos, was the celebration of Keely Hodgkinson, a British standout who claimed victory in one of the races. The atmosphere at the Icahn Stadium was electric, with a party-like vibe that contrasted sharply with the traditional seriousness of track and field competitions. Instead of standard medals, winners received Tiffany & Co crowns, a gesture that symbolized the league’s desire to innovate and create a more engaging spectacle. “The idea is to make the sport feel like a festival of excellence,” said Ohanian, reflecting on the event’s success.
Addressing the Gap in Women’s Athletics
The challenges faced by previous initiatives in women’s track and field, such as the financial hurdles encountered by Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track last year, have been well-documented. However, Ohanian is determined to close the historic divide between the economic rewards of women’s athletics and the caliber of talent it showcases. “We’re not just creating a competition; we’re building a sustainable model that empowers athletes,” he stated. The equity stakes, which allow participants to benefit from the league’s growth, are a key component of this approach.
Athletes are also central to the league’s identity, with Ohanian prioritizing their input from the very beginning. He reached out to figures like Olympic 200m champion Elaine Thomas through social media, laying the groundwork for collaboration long before the 2024 season. Thomas, a Harvard graduate with aspirations to run her own hospital after retiring, praised the initiative for sending a clear message about the value of women’s athletic achievements. “This isn’t just about competing; it’s about being part of something bigger,” she told BBC Sport. “The fact that we get a share in the league’s future is rare in this sport and sets a powerful precedent.”
Thomas’s perspective highlights the broader impact of Athlos, which seeks to challenge the notion that women’s track and field lacks financial viability. “The narrative growing up was that professional women’s athletics wasn’t worth the investment,” she added. “But now, with this model, we’re proving that the talent and dedication of female athletes can be recognized and rewarded on a global scale.” Her words resonate with a generation of young girls who look up to these competitors as role models, eager to see the sport thrive in a more equitable environment.
Structuring the Competition
Each Athlos event will feature seven disciplines: the 100m hurdles, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, mile, and long jump. A combined points system will determine the overall winner, adding a layer of strategy to the competition. Athletes can earn up to $65,000 (£48,500) per individual race, with additional bonuses for those who emerge as overall champions. This structure allows for significant financial rewards, with a top performer potentially earning $155,000 (£115,000) if they succeed in both London and New York.
The league’s design also reflects a commitment to innovation, blending athleticism with entertainment. Events will be held in venues that can accommodate large crowds, ensuring maximum exposure for the competitors. “We want to make the sport feel like a celebration, not just a series of races,” said Ohanian. “This is about creating a platform where excellence is rewarded with both recognition and resources.”
A Vision Beyond Borders
As Athlos expands, Ohanian’s ultimate goal is to establish a season-long league that operates across multiple continents. He has been in ongoing discussions with sports governing bodies and industry partners to make this vision a reality. “This is a long-term project, and we’re working to build something that will outlast individual seasons,” he said. “The idea is to create a legacy that honors the athletes and elevates the sport.”
The addition of London in 2026 marks a crucial step in this journey, offering a new stage for female athletes to showcase their skills. With its focus on partnership, equity, and global reach, Athlos aims to be more than a competition—it seeks to be a transformative force in the athletics world. As the league grows, it is poised to redefine how women’s track and field is perceived, both in terms of its economic potential and its cultural significance.