“ATHLOS has made me feel even sadder that GST may be gone.”

Track and field fans shared their reactions to the instant payouts Alexis Ohanian’s Athlos NYC 2025 offered to athletes. The second edition of the women’s-only Ohanian Race concluded on Friday, October 9, and concluded with tremendous pomp and grandeur.

However, one of the main characteristics of the Ohanian encounter was the immediate payment of prize money to the athletes, which the former also took part in proving by publishing Screenshot of Masai Russell’s $60,000 payout transaction. This is in stark contrast to the situation of Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track, another eventer who burst onto the scene at the same time as Athlos, but the former is facing enormous financial difficulties while the latter is flying high.

Following the conclusion and success of the second edition of Ohanian’s Athlos, fans have been reacting to the league’s instant payout system on social media. One fan on X stated that Athlos’ success could lead to the collapse of Grand Slam Track. The fan wrote:

“Really! ATHLOS made me feel even sadder that GST might be gone.”

Another fan pointed out the differences between Grand Slam Track and Athlos, noting that Ohanian’s event takes things gradually, while the former took a fast-paced approach.

“GST was going all in from the jump. That’s why the competition was amazing, but it fell flat. Athlos is taking things slow, trying to build the right way. It’s not very exciting right now, but it looks very promising. They know what they’re doing,” the fan wrote.

“They should join forces, athletics needs more tournaments or events where athletes are well paid,” echoed another online user.

Here are some other reactions:

“Okay. The spot prize money is flexible. I hope @WorldAthletics takes note!” one fan wrote.

“This is crazy! Paying athletes 3 minutes after they win is 🔥” Another male.

“Maw, he’s making fun of him 🤣 Athlos opposition.” Another fan chimed.

It is worth noting that the Athlos NYC 2025 Championship, directed by Alexis Ohanian, witnessed many top athletes, such as Brittany Brown, Maryleedi Paulino, Masai Russell, Tara Davis Woodhulland Faith Kipyegon, emerge as winners in their respective events.

Alexis Ohanian talks about Athlos NYC being an intersection between sports and business

Alexis Ohanian He made his feelings known at Athlos NYC, being a major intersection of athletics and business. Speaking a few days before the event, Ohanian stated that in a few years, Athlos will be a team-based league similar to Formula 1.

He also added that his league, Athlos NYC, is inspired by Formula 1, which itself is a cross between athletics and business. He said (via Citius Mag, 3:43 onwards):

“I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of success in this sort of second career after Reddit over the last five years, especially with the integration of esports in particular, and you know, when I look at this, what Athlos has looked like for years, it’s a team-based track league that we take inspiration from the best, Formula One, it’s this special intersection between sporting excellence and business excellence.”

Athlos NYC 2025 showcased stunning moments featuring two of the greats of women’s sports, Serena Williams and Shelley-Anne Fraser-Pryceon the same stage.