The track and field landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation in 2025, with two major players—Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track and Alexis Ohanian’s women-led Athlos vying to redefine the sport.
While Grand Slam Track made waves with its high-stakes, big-money events, Athlos has just taken a monumental leap forward by announcing the inclusion of field events at Athlos NYC 2025.
Athlos Makes History
Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, founded Athlos last September , a female-only track and field meet in New York.
On April 28, 2025, Athlos sent shockwaves through the track and field world with a game-changing announcement on X (formerly Twitter).
“It’s Track AND Field, and she’s the reason. Field is coming to ATHLOS 2025, and @tar___ruh is leading the way.”
The post confirmed that long jump superstar Tara Davis-Woodhall, fresh off her gold medal victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics, will headline the inaugural field event at Athlos NYC. Scheduled for October 10, 2025, at Icahn Stadium, the event promises a fresh, high-energy experience featuring a live DJ, athlete-centered storytelling, and a broadcast format designed to engage modern audiences.
While Grand Slam Track has focused primarily on elite sprints and middle-distance races, Athlos is embracing the full spectrum of track and field, ensuring that jumpers, throwers, and other field athletes receive the spotlight they deserve.
Fans Rally Behind Athlos
The reaction from the track and field community has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans have long criticized the marginalization of field events in major meets, where sprints often dominate media coverage and sponsorship deals. Athlos’ decision to include the long jump—with potential for more field events in the future—has been met with enthusiastic support.
One fan on X captured the excitement perfectly, writing, “Let’s gooo!” while another declared, “Woo. Field events finally get their moment… about time.” The sentiment reflects a growing demand for a more inclusive track and field experience, where every discipline gets its due.
Davis-Woodhall’s star power has also fueled the hype. Fans showered the Olympic champion with praise, with one admirer simply posting, “My beauty.”
Others expressed hope for even more expansion, with one supporter tweeting, “Onwards and upwards… hoping this opens up the avenue for even more field events.” The prospect of events like discus, shot put, and high jump joining future Athlos meets has fans dreaming big.
Perhaps the most poignant reaction came from a fan who referenced Neil Armstrong’s famous moon landing quote, tweeting, “One small step for jumps, one giant leap for field-event-kind.”
Grand Slam Track Faces Mounting Pressure
While Athlos surges ahead with its innovative approach, Grand Slam Track—Michael Johnson’s ambitious league—is facing unexpected challenges. Launched with the largest prize purse in track history, Grand Slam Track initially drew attention for its elite-only format and high-stakes races. However, its exclusive focus on track events now appears limiting compared to Athlos’ broader vision.
Grand Slam Track’s Jamaica meet was a spectacle, but fans are increasingly drawn to Athlos’ athlete-first model, which prioritizes entertainment, storytelling, and inclusivity. The addition of field events gives Athlos a competitive edge, appealing to a wider demographic of track and field enthusiasts.
The Future of Track and Field Hangs in the Balance
The battle between Athlos and Grand Slam Track is more than just a rivalry—it’s a clash of philosophies. Grand Slam Track represents traditional elite competition, while Athlos is pioneering a new era of fan engagement and sport diversity.
If Athlos continues to expand its field events and deliver on its high-energy, athlete-centric promise, it could redefine the sport’s future. Meanwhile, Grand Slam Track must adapt or risk losing momentum.
