“Unheard of”- Justin Gatlin weighs in on 10% overall revenue distribution to athletes, above $663,000 prize purse at Alexis Ohanian Athlos NYC

Justin Gatlin recently reacted to the Athlos NYC meet's giveback program, in addition to the $663,000 prize awarded to all athletes who competed at the event on 26 September. A total of 36 athletes featured in six events including the 100m, 200m, 400m, 100m hurdles, 800m, and 1500m events in the Athlos’ inaugural meet.

The first edition of the Athlos had an amazing turnout as the crowd appeared in huge numbers to support their favorite athletes. Each athlete had their own walk-out song, played by DJ Derrick "D'Nice" Jones, as they took center stage just before the start of their event.

Moreover, a huge paycheck was on the line. The winners could earn $60,000, with the second and third place collecting $25,000 and $10,000, respectively. The fourth to sixth-placed competitors also bagged $8,000, $5,000, and $2,500 respectively, from their participation at the Athlos NYC. This amounted to a total prize purse of $663,000 awarded to all the athletes.

During the ‘Ready Set Go’ podcast hosted by Justin Gatlin and Rodney Green, both talked about the amazing atmosphere at the Athlos NYC. Gatlin suggested in the podcast that due to the unique atmosphere, higher paychecks, and the athletes' voices being heard, the event was a victory for all the women involved, adding:

“At the end of day, all these ladies came away with a victory, man. This was an amazing event man.”

Rodney Green went on to mention that 10 percent of all revenue generated through ticketing, commercial sponsorship, and broadcast will also be given to the athletes who competed at the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meeting. Former 100m Olympic champion Gatlin responded by stating that the concept was something entirely new, adding:

“Unheard of.”

“People on the stands were relating to athletes”- Justin Gatlin shows appreciation for Athlos NYC

Justin Gatlin. (Photo by RvS.Media/Monika Majer/Getty Images)

Justin Gatlin further showed appreciation for the Athlos NYC event, launched by Serena Williams’ husband Alexis Ohanian. In the same podcast, he said how the Athlos didn’t just bring the best six athletes to compete in their meet but also created an engaging atmosphere for the audience:

“I love the fact that [Athlos NYC] it wasn't that they went out and just got six of the best in each of event to come out and really perform. People on the stands were relating to the athletes they vibe with the music,” he quoted.

The four-time world champion added:

“You can tell like their attention was focused on the event itself, I loved it. I loved where they make sure DJ night had the music keep spinning. They did an amazing job. A+ for me bro, A+.”

Both Gatlin and Green also attended the inaugural edition of the Athlos NYC, taking place at the Icahn Stadium on Thursday.