Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian reacts as US Olympian says Athlos NYC debunked stigma of not wearing 'pink and makeup'

Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, responded to Olympian Nia Akins' remarks following the conclusion of the Athlos NYC event, which she said debunked various stigmas surrounding athletes. The inaugural edition of the meet launched by Ohanian took place on September 26, at the Icahn Stadium.

While the announcement of Megan Thee Stallion as the musical performer and $60,000 prize money to the winner in each discipline drew significant attention to the event, Athlos NYC was truly one of a kind. As an exclusive women’s only track meet, the event centered completely on each of the 36 athletes - six in the 100m, 100m hurdles, 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m events.

At Alexis Ohanian's Athlos NYC, photographer Ryan Murray captured shots of the athletes, while Wyn Beauty handled touch-ups to give them a glamorous look before and after the race. Additionally, feedback was gathered from the athletes to ensure their satisfaction with the services provided.

After being impressed by the event's organization, Nia Akins, the 800m runner who represented the United States at the Paris Olympics, shared her thoughts on Athlos NYC, addressing the stigmas surrounding athletes, including not wearing pink and using makeup. Her statement was shared on the meet’s X account.

She reflected on how Athlos challenged all of these notions, stating:

“There’s this stigma of when you’re an athlete. You don’t wear pink, you don’t do makeup. This meet has kind of debunked all that. We’re getting our makeup done, we’re dressing up nice. And we’re also going to go kick booty on the track. Women can be all things.”

Alexis Ohanian reacted to this statement by Akins, writing:

“Let 'em know”

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Nia Akins reacted after concluding 2024 season at Alexis Ohanian’s Athlos NYC

Nia Akins at World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023 (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

Nia Akins experienced both ups and downs during the 2024 season. Her most notable achievement was winning the 800m race at the US Olympic Track and Field Trials, where she qualified for the Paris Olympics with a time of 1:57.36.

However, at the Olympics, she missed out on a place in the 800m final after finishing third in her semi-final heat. During her season-ending event at Alexis Ohanian's track meet, she finished sixth. She took to her Instagram to express her emotions after concluding her season, captioning:

“Couldn’t dream of a more wonderful experience than Athlos NYC to cap off a great year. I felt so incredibly seen and valued by the event and staff as a woman/woc in this sport. Thank you, I didn’t know how bad I needed it. Here’s to new beginnings, celebratory endings, & all the discomfort in between! There’s a blessing in all of it. I’m going to go find a beach and play my guitar now but you’ll see me on the track next year ;)”

Akins’ next target will be to achieve a medal at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo after she finished sixth in the 800m in the 2023 edition held in Budapest.