If you love track and field, the 2024 season has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the Olympic trials to the Diamond League final, the world’s best athletes have delivered electrifying performances. But all of that pales in comparison to what recently took place at the Athlos Track Meet in New York City. This was no ordinary event—this was something entirely new and transformative for the sport.

A First-of-its-Kind Event

Going into the event, we knew that Gabby Thomas had partnered with 776 to host an all-women’s track meet to close out the season. What we didn’t know was what exactly to expect. It was unprecedented. But as I tuned in to the pre-show, hosted by Citius Magazine, I realized this was going to be something special.

From start to finish, the meet lived up to and exceeded expectations. Almost every race felt like an Olympic final rematch. Jasmine Camacho-Quinn took the 100-meter hurdles, Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith dominated the 100-meter dash, and Marileidy Paulino once again proved her superiority in the 400-meter dash. The legendary Faith Kipyegon solidified her status as the GOAT in the 1500 meters.

A Stunning Upset in the 200m Dash

While the entire event was riveting, the final race—the 200-meter dash—was perhaps the most surprising. Gabby Thomas, who helped organize the meet, was expected to win. But Brittany Brown shocked everyone by edging her out at the finish line. Anyone who had money on Thomas to win likely lost their bet. This unexpected twist only added to the excitement and uniqueness of the meet.

More Than Just a Track Meet

What truly set the Athlos meet apart wasn’t just the performances on the track. From the moment you stepped into Icahn Stadium, it was clear that this wasn’t just another competition. There was a live DJ, VIP seating, celebrity appearances, Tiffany & Co. crowns for the victors, and even a Megan Thee Stallion concert to close out the night.

In every sense, Athlos wasn’t a track meet—it was an experience. It felt more like a festival or celebration of women’s sports than a traditional sporting event.

A Response to the Problems in Pro Track and Field

This event wasn’t just about entertainment; it was a calculated response to the issues plaguing professional track and field. Athlos was a test case—an attempt to see if something fresh and exciting could work for the sport. As Kyra Jefferson put it, “professional track and field is really an amateur-run sport with professional athletes in it.” Athlos aimed to change that narrative

Athletes were paid well, with prize money of up to $60,000 for winning an event, and even those who didn’t win walked away with a share of the revenues. Brittany Brown, for example, earned more from her performance at Athlos than Caitlin Clark will make in her rookie season in the WNBA. But as lucrative as this event was for the athletes, it’s unclear if this model is sustainable.

The Financial Realities

While Athlos was a financial boon for the athletes, there are questions about whether it can be replicated. The prize money alone likely exceeded the total ticket revenue, meaning the event had to rely heavily on sponsors and investors. This is not uncommon in pro sports, but for a fledgling event like Athlos, sustainability could be an issue.

Most people, myself included, watched the event on YouTube, as there was no major network broadcast. Without significant TV deals, it’s hard to see how Athlos could continue to offer such generous payouts in the future.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Track and Field?

Athlos proved that track and field can be packaged in a way that resonates with casual fans. They sold out Icahn Stadium, something the New York City Grand Prix, held at the same venue, typically struggles to do. But there’s no guarantee we’ll see something like this again.

The combination of entertainment and sport was appealing, but it also raised questions. Do we need Megan Thee Stallion and a live DJ to make people care about track and field? Why isn’t the sport itself enough?

The Role of Spectacle in Sports

At NBA games, you get plenty of entertainment beyond basketball, but that’s in a 15,000-seat arena with a lucrative TV deal, supporting an 82-game season. Track and field cannot replicate that model with an event like Athlos. It felt more like a celebration—a once-in-a-year kind of thing—than something that can happen regularly.

If this is the future, track and field might need to lean into this festival-like atmosphere, much like an All-Star Game. However, there’s a risk that if we treat every event like a special occasion, the novelty will wear off.

A Call for a Sustainable Model

Ultimately, Athlos was a resounding success. It brought attention, energy, and new fans to the sport. But it also highlighted the deeper issues within professional track and field. The athletes shouldn’t have to rely on spectacle to get paid. They are the best in the world—that should be enough.

Track and field deserves regular, consistent support—not just a once-every-four-years spotlight during the Olympics. And while Athlos showed a way forward, it’s clear that the sport still has a long way to go.

Conclusion: Athlos Was a Celebration, But What’s Next?

Athlos gave us a glimpse of what professional track and field could be. It was fun, fresh, and empowering, but we can’t rely on one-off events to carry the sport forward. The sport needs a sustainable model that supports athletes without relying on celebrity concerts or once-a-year celebrations.

If Athlos can teach us anything, it’s that people will watch track and field if it’s presented in a way that excites them. Now, it’s up to the sport’s organizers to figure out how to build on that momentum.

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