Olympic and world champion Faith Kipyegon is the latest athlete to join the Athlos NYC, a women’s-only track event.
The tournament is the brainchild of tennis legend Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, who is betting on athletics after success in other endeavours.
Ohanian is betting big on women, as the world’s best track talents right now are female, and after signing up world 200m silver medalist Gabby Thomas, he added Kipyegon and world 400m champion Alexis Holmes.
More superstars like as Sha’Carri Richardson, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Athing Mu are expected to participate in the inaugural tournament, which will take place on September 26, 2024 at Icahn Stadium in New York City.
There is every motive to participate, as the event will pay six times more than track stars earn for winning a Diamond League race.
Winning an Athlos event earns an athlete Ksh 7.6 million while second place earns Ksh 3.1 million and third place Ksh 1.2 million.
Finishing fourth will earn an athlete Ksh 1 million, fifth place Ksh 635,598 and sixth place Ksh 317,799.
For context, Diamond League winners receive Ksh 1.2 million, while season-ending champions receive Ksh 3.8 million.
It is adequate motivation for the athletes, despite the fact that Kipyegon has stated that her primary goal is inspiring rather than monetary.
“I am delighted to announce that I will compete in the inaugural Athlos NYC tournament at Icahn Stadium in New York City in September
“With this event, I hope to inspire women all over the world to be the strongest versions of themselves,” Kipyegon wrote on Instagram.
The Athlos NYC will include the 100m, 200m, 400m, 100m hurdles, 800m and 1500m, with Ohanian hoping to expand the event to increase the athletes’ earnings.