Serena Williams' husband and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian has shared his reaction to Gabby Thomas being lauded alongside the track and field icon Allyson Felix. Ohanian recognized Thomas's growing impact in the sport, paralleling the influence of the legendary track and field athlete.
In a video shared by Ohanian's all-women's track startup, Athlos, Thomas cited Felix as her inspiration, noting the latter's status as one of the most decorated track and field athletes in Olympic history. She praised Felix's dominance, resilience, and advocacy for women and mothers in sports.
"Growing up, Allison Felix did inspire me to run. I saw myself in Allison. I saw a young black woman who was really skinny and looked a little bit different than everyone else lining up on the line. She stood for more than just a sport, and I saw someone who was really determined. I wanted to be that, and I really saw myself in that," Thomas said.
Thomas' words resonated deeply with many, and a user replied to the post, stating that the American track star herself has now become an inspiration to others.
"And now Gabby Thomas you are that for many of us," the user wrote.
Ohanian expressed agreement with the user's statement, writing:
"Hear hear."
Athlos was created by Ohanian and his venture capital firm, Seven Seven Six, aiming to elevate female athletes. The inaugural edition of the competition, Athlos NYC, held at New York's Icahn Stadium, set a new standard by offering the biggest prize purse in track and field history.
The event saw participation from 36 elite athletes from 14 countries, including 30 Olympians, competing across six events: the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, and 100m hurdles.
Gabby Thomas was one of the standout athletes at the Athlos NYC meet, participating in the 200m discipline. She secured second place with a time of 22.21s, just behind Brittany Brown, who won the event with a time of 22.18s. Thomas's impressive performance earned her a prize of $25,000.
Gabby Thomas discusses her experience competing in Athlos led by Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian
Gabby Thomas discussed competing in the inaugural 'Athlos' track meet launched by Alexis Ohanian in New York City during her appearance on the 'Ali on the Run Show.'
Thomas highlighted the event’s unique features, including large prize money for winners and performances by Megan Thee Stallion and DJ D-Nice.
"I had a great time helping to put it on. The after party for that was incredible. Alexis Ohanian had done it, he laid out the red carpet for us. He had our favorite celebrities there. Megan Thee Stallion performed right there on the track. And it was just such an incredible cultural moment for us," she said.
In other news, Alexis Ohanian opened up about the return of his track meet, Athlos, in 2025.
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