Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian issues message as Gabby Thomas gives away her spikes to fans at Athlos NYC

Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian issued an inspiring message as Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas gave away her track shoes to young fans at Athlos NYC. The first edition of the women-only track event was held at Icahn Stadium on September 26, 2024.

Ohanian, the Reddit co-founder and currently an investor in multiple businesses, came up with the idea of Athlos to elevate women's sports and inspire the up-and-coming generation. The venture promised substantial prize money, six times that of the Diamond League, and welcomed top-tier athletes from across the globe.

Co-founder of the football team Angel City FC, Ohanian welcomed Gabby Thomas as Athlos' headliner (776 Invitational) who announced the debut edition of the meet alongside Ohanian in an April event. The 27-year-old sprinter, fresh off her successful Paris Olympic exploits (golds in the 200m, 4x100m relay, and 4x400m relay), participated at the Athlos and finished with a silver behind Brittany Brown in the 200m.

On Wednesday, October 9, Athlos shared an Instagram post, highlighting how the event gave young fans a once-in-a-lifetime experience of spending time with their favorite track athletes. The video showed Thomas giving away her shoes to fans, who squealed with delight.

Serena Williams' husband's comment on the post asserted that aspiring athletes would want to follow their idols' footsteps after experiencing the trackside moments.

"SEE IT. BE IT," Ohanian wrote.

Alexis Ohanian reacted to Gabby Thomas giving away her spikes; Instagram - @athlos

Megan Thee Stallion, the iconic American rapper, performed on the night of Athlos NYC. Celebrities like Flavor Flav, Seans Evans, and Nathalie Joanne Emmanuel were also in attendance at Icahn Stadium.

Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian on his passion for track and field

Alexis Ohanian looks on at the 2019 US Open - Day 11 - Source: Getty

On August 14, 2024, CITIUS Mag interviewed Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian, who talked about his passion for track. He added how pleased he was to get appreciation from athletes, even those who didn't get an invite from the 776 Invitational but wished to participate in Athlos next year.

"It's just an awesome sport. I've only gotten more and more confident the more time I've spent in this sport and around the sport. I went to Eugene for my first-ever track meet. Probably the most hopeful part of that whole thing was seeing the response from the athletes. Folks just came out to say, ‘Hey, this is really dope. I didn't even get the invite for it, but I'm going to be there next year," he said.

Serena Williams' husband also shared that the choice of the venue in New York City sprung up because NYC hosts famous sporting events like the US Open or the Knicks playoff game. Ohanian expressed his desire to see track and field become as popular as tennis and the NBA.