What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, is working to elevate track and field athletes to superstar status through Athlos, a women's track and field event. Athlos aims to showcase the power of the human body and leverage social media platforms like Instagram to increase visibility. The event, which debuted in 2024, attracted millions of viewers and featured top athletes like Marileidy Paulino and Gabby Thomas. Ohanian's goal is to create a year-round league that keeps athletes in the spotlight, similar to Formula One.
Why It's Important?
Athlos represents a significant shift in how track and field athletes are marketed and perceived. By leveraging social media and creating high-profile events, Ohanian aims to increase the visibility and commercial value of women's sports. This initiative could lead to greater investment in women's athletics and provide athletes with opportunities for fame and financial success comparable to other sports. It also highlights the growing importance of social media in shaping sports narratives and engaging audiences.
What's Next?
The next Athlos event is set to return to Icahn Stadium and stream on multiple platforms, with hopes of surpassing previous viewership numbers. Ohanian envisions Athlos as a team-based league that maintains athlete visibility year-round. As the initiative grows, it may attract more sponsors and media attention, potentially transforming the landscape of women's track and field. Ohanian's focus on social media suggests a continued emphasis on digital engagement and audience interaction.
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