WOMEN GET BOOST FOR LA 2028

Ohanian's venture Athlos eyes higher profile, recognition for athletes and profitability too

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Beneath the towering, neon-lit billboards of Times Square, six of the world's top long jumpers are soaring through the air, turning one of New York's most iconic places into an unlikely athletics stage.

The Oct 9 evening's eye-catching spectacle marked the one-year anniversary of Athlos, the women-only track and field event venture backed by Reddit co-founder and entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian.

After launching in New York in 2024, Athlos returned to the Big Apple this week with a twist - holding the long jump qualifiers in the heart of the city, with reigning Olympic and world long jump champion Tara Davis-Woodhall taking centre stage.

The main competition resumed on Oct 10 in a traditional stadium.

Ohanian, the husband of tennis legend Serena Williams, said Athlos was launched to give track and field a dedicated platform, since the sport struggles to gain attention in the United States outside the Olympic Games.

"What are the biggest sports during these Olympics? Track and field, they get the most viewers," Ohanian said.

"There's a legacy of American excellence, especially among the women, and where do they go in between?"