Tobi Amusan set for $2.1m Athlos series in London and New York

World record holder Tobi Amusan will compete in the London and New York legs of the all-female track event Athlos. This event is scheduled for September and October, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Athlos is a professional track and field series for women only. The first edition took place at Icahn Stadium in New York City on September 26, 2024.

The organisers shared the news on Wednesday, saying, "The world record holder is coming to Athlos. Tobi is taking on what she does best, the 100m hurdles. Watch her compete this fall at ATHLOS LDN & NYC!"

The all-female track meet will debut in London in 2026. It will expand to a two-day event. The founder hopes it can become the "Formula 1 of track and field."

Alexis Ohanian, who co-founded Reddit and is married to tennis legend Serena Williams, created Athlos. The event will return to New York for the third year in a row.

The London event is set for September 18 at StoneX Stadium. The New York edition will follow on October 2.

Top American athletes like Sha’Carri Richardson, Gabby Thomas, Tara Woodhall-Davis, Masai Russell, and Dominican sprinter Marileidy Paulino have confirmed their participation. The events will take place at StoneX Stadium in Barnet, home of Saracens rugby team, on September 18 and at Icahn Stadium in New York two weeks later.

There is a total prize pot of $2.1 million (£1.5 million). Athletes will also receive equity in the league, which means they could benefit if the series is successful.

Ohanian explained to BBC in May, "The cash compensates their participation and success, and the equity recognises what we’re building together. If we get this right, it should properly place these amazing athletes on the same level as they are every four years during the Olympics."

He added, "This equity is a way for us to have a real partnership. These are the athletes who are the first movers, the ones who are taking a leap and helping us get this started."

Seven events will be contested in both London and New York. These include the 100m hurdles, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, mile, and long jump. An athlete’s combined points will determine the overall event winner.

Athletes can earn up to $65,000 in each event. Overall champions will get an extra $25,000. This means an athlete winning in both cities could take home $155,000.