The 2024 track and field season is far from over, even though the excitement of the Paris Olympics and the Diamond League may have wound down. Track and field fans still have much to look forward to, including a unique event kicking off in just nine days at the Icahn Stadium: Athlos NYC. This is a women-only event featuring six premier races and some of the top athletes in the sport.
In addition, another exciting venture is on the horizon: the Grand Slam Track, conceived by four-time Olympic medalist Michael Johnson. Although it is set to debut in the spring of 2025, comparisons with Athlos NYC have already begun, particularly regarding the prize money offered to athletes.
Prize Money: Athlos NYC vs. Grand Slam Track
Athlos NYC is set to become one of the highest-paying track leagues, boasting a prize pool of $500,000. The winner of each race will receive $60,000, with the second-place finisher taking home $25,000 and the third-place finisher receiving $10,000. Athletes who do not reach the podium will still earn compensation: $8,000 for fourth place, $5,000 for fifth place, and $2,500 for sixth place. The event will feature stars like Gabby Thomas, Alexis Holmes, and Faith Kipyegon.
In contrast, the Grand Slam Track, which already has Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone as its first officially committed athlete, offers a staggering prize pool of $12.6 million. With races taking place four times a year, the Grand Slam Track presents athletes with the opportunity to win significant amounts. The winner of each race will take home $100,000, while prizes will be awarded to every finisher, with amounts ranging from $10,000 for eighth place to $100,000 for first place. With the potential to participate in four events a year, athletes could win up to $400,000 if they secure gold in each race.
Prioritizing Athletes and Transforming the Sport
Both Athlos NYC and the Grand Slam Track share a mission: to revolutionize track and field by focusing on the athletes. This approach not only elevates the sport but also offers competitors substantial monetary rewards. Compared to other leagues, the prize figures provided by these new leagues are quite impressive. World Athletics offers $70,000 for its championships, Athlos NYC awards $60,000, while the Diamond League provides only $10,000 for its winners.
The differences in prize money become more apparent when looking at the payouts for those finishing further down the ranks. For instance, Athlos NYC gives $2,500 to its sixth-place finishers, whereas the Grand Slam Track awards $10,000 to its last-place finisher. In comparison, the Diamond League gives only $1,000 to its eighth-place finisher.
### A Vision for the Future
Alexis Ohanian, the founder of Athlos NYC, has emphasized that one of the primary reasons for starting this league was to support the athletes. His aim is to show that while the Olympics may have ended, top athletes are still competing for big prizes, and he hopes to inspire the next generation through their stories and performances.
Similarly, Michael Johnson aims to elevate the sport through the Grand Slam Track. He recently mentioned that their prize purse is designed to position them at the pinnacle of track and field competitions, with a top prize of $100,000 for the winner, the highest in the sport.
What Do You Think?
These substantial differences in prize money among various leagues raise interesting questions about the future of track and field. Which league do you think will dominate in the coming years: Athlos NYC or the Grand Slam Track?
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