Tobi Amusan to Compete with Big Names at Athlos

Nigerian hurdler and former world record holder Tobi Amusan will take on tough competition at the Athlos meet in London. She will face world indoor record holder Devynne Charlton and former world champion Danielle Williams. The meet happens today, Friday, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

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

Plans were made to make it a two-day event in 2026, starting in London and then moving to New York. However, this year’s New York meet, set for October 2, has been cancelled.

Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit and husband to 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, started the series. The total prize money for the event is $2.1 million.

Amusan was announced as a participant in August. She will compete against some of the top athletes in the women's 100m hurdles at StoneX Stadium in Barnet.

Masai Russell, the current world record holder and Olympic champion, was also set to join the event but pulled out earlier this week. This happened just days after she won the Diamond League and the $150,000 World Ultimate Championship.

Other athletes expected to compete at Athlos London include Alaysha Johnson from the USA and Jamaica’s Megan Simmonds.

Athletes are chasing a top prize of $65,000 in each event. They will also compete for an Athlos crown designed by Tiffany & Co. There’s also a plan to offer equity in the league. This means athletes could benefit if the league succeeds.

Ohanian shared his thoughts with the BBC in May. He said, "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."

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.