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Retired American sprinter Justin Gatlin recently showed his curiosity about why Serena Williams’ husband Alexis Ohanian particularly chose to invest in track and field. Earlier in April 2024, Ohanian announced the launch of an exclusive track meet for women athletes.
During the Business of Women’s Sports Conference in New York City, Ohanian revealed that his venture capital firm, Seven Seven Six, will be sponsoring a new track meet for female athletes, called the 776 Invitational. American sprint star Gabby Thomas, who was present at the occasion, was confirmed as the first athlete for the inaugural edition of the track league.
Bater in July, the 776 Invitational was renamed Athlos NYC. The event is set to begin on 26 September 2024, at Icahn Stadium in NY. The league is offering the biggest prize pool ever for a women-only event, with $60,000 awarded to the winner, $25,000 to the runner-up, and $10,000 to the third-place athlete. Athletes placed from fourth to sixth place will also receive prize money.
Recently, on his Ready Set Go podcast, Justin Gatlin asked Rodney Green about his opinion on the Athlos NYC event, launched by Serena Williams’ husband. The Bahamian retired sprinter stated that he believes the retired tennis icon is supporting the league launch, but thinks it was Alexis Ohanian’s idea. He said:
“I think she’s [Serena Williams] definitely supporting him but I think it’s definitely him. He heard the idea of track and field and I think he’s probably new to the track and field world. I definitely think it’s him.”
