"Celebrities who are not in track and field came out"- Justin Gatlin highlights success of Athlos NYC with Flavor Flav and others in attendance

Justin Gatlin talked about how people who are not associated with track and field extended support to the female athletes at Athlos NYC. He also noted that celebrities, like Flavor Flav, were amazed to watch the prowess of the athletes in person.

Justin Gatlin, the former US sprinter, retired from his sport in 2022 but continues to remain closely associated with it. The toe-to-toe rival of the legendary Usain Bolt during his active years, Gatlin boasted a professional track career spanning almost 19 years.

In his podcast, Ready Set Go, Gatlin often analyzes races and opines on athletes with his extensive knowledge of the sport. Following Athlos NYC's conclusion, he noted the number of non-track celebrities who supported the female athletes at the race organized by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and left positive feedback.

"Real people and celebrities who are not in track and field came out to support it. Their feedback was 'I didn't know that athletes were this fast in person. They show that much energy, strength in person, it was exciting in person and they said they would do it again," he shared with the former Bahamanian sprinter, Rodney Green.

In response, Green lauded DJ D-Nice's live soundtrack and custom walk-out songs for each racer. Grammy-winning artist Megan Thee Stallion capped off the event with a performance of her popular track Mamushi, among others.

Flavor Flav, the American rapper and singer who often engages in philanthropy to support athletes, was present at the Athlos NYC as a top fan of women's sports. Before he stepped inside the Icahn Stadium, he announced his entry with a couple of adorable things.

"Headed to Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island NYC for @Athlos. I gots free friendship bracelets, hugs, and hi-fives,!!!" his tweet read.

The event was scheduled for September 26, 2024.

Justin Gatlin said that Athlos NYC was like a dream

Justin Gatlin talked about the success of the women-only track meet and lauded Serena Williams' husband for arranging such a grand meet where winners were given Tiffany & Co. crowns instead of medals.

"The meet was like a dream. I just had a dream about to track me it was crazy. It was at night it was in New York. Shout out to Alexis Ohanian they passed out Tiffany crowns they didn't even have medals," said Gatlin.

Gabby Thomas, the 200m headliner, and reigning Olympic champion, partnered with 776 Invitational (Athlos) and was present at the launch of the event in April 2024. However, she lost to Brittany Brown who clinched the win in 22.18s.