The highly anticipated 2024 Athlos NYC event is just around the corner, and the excitement is building as top athletes from around the world gear up for the competition. Unlike Sha’Carri Richardson, who has yet to fully return to form since the 2024 Paris Olympics, other track stars are eager to make their mark. Among them is British Olympian Daryll Neita, who has joined a stellar lineup that includes U.S. sprinter Gabby Thomas and others, all set to create history at the inaugural event.
Scheduled for September 26 at New York’s Icahn Stadium, Athlos NYC is an all-female track and field event founded by Alexis Ohanian. With its focus on elevating women’s track and field, the event promises to be a grand spectacle. Led by the impressive Gabby Thomas, a Harvard graduate and elite sprinter, the competition is expected to captivate track fans. The latest addition to the roster, as announced on the Athlos X social media account on September 22, is none other than Daryll Neita. A three-time British Olympian and European gold medalist, Neita brings both experience and talent to the event. The post enthusiastically shared, “Announcing the final trailblazer to join the ATHLOS lineup – @daryllneita,” indicating that the event’s lineup is shaping up to be incredibly competitive.
Neita has crossed paths with both Gabby Thomas and Sha’Carri Richardson at major events, including the recent Paris Olympics. At the Games, Neita and her British teammates, including Dina Asher-Smith, won silver in the 4x100m relay, finishing just behind Team USA. This time, however, the focus will be on individual performances as the top sprinters compete in New York. While Neita’s rivalry with Thomas and Richardson has been intense, the upcoming Athlos event seems to emphasize camaraderie and the collective goal of elevating the sport.
Tonja Buford-Bailey, a veteran Olympian and 1996 Olympic medalist, recently shared behind-the-scenes footage from a promotional shoot for the Athlos event, showcasing a relaxed and cheerful moment between Neita, Thomas, and other competitors like Tamara Clark and Torrie Lewis. The clip highlighted the sense of unity and excitement among the athletes, but the question remains—will the event live up to its hype without the presence of Sha’Carri Richardson?
Richardson, one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, has had a rollercoaster year. In the Paris Olympics, she was a favorite to routine. win the gold in the 100m but finished with a silver medal after a controversial pre-race incident disrupted her Fans speculated that Richardson’s inability to complete her usual warm-up rituals contributed to her less-than-expected performance. However, she bounced back in the 4x100m relay, helping her team secure a medal. Since the Olympics, though, Richardson has only competed in two races, both of which yielded unremarkable results. Despite the expectation that she would return to competition at Athlos NYC, it appears she has opted to sit this one out.
While some may see Richardson’s absence as a gap in the lineup, Ohanian’s event still boasts an impressive roster of athletes ready to showcase their talents. In addition to Neita and Thomas, the event will feature Annie Tagoe, another standout British sprinter, ensuring that the competition remains fierce. Athlos NYC is not just about thrilling races; it is also an event designed to uplift women’s track and field. Ohanian has emphasized the importance of fair compensation for female athletes, aiming to set a new standard in the industry. This focus on creating more opportunities and recognition for female track stars gives Athlos a unique position in the sports world.
As the event approaches, track and field enthusiasts are eagerly waiting to see who will steal the show at the inaugural Athlos NYC. With a lineup filled with Olympians and rising stars, the competition promises to deliver exciting performances. The absence of Richardson may be disappointing for some, but athletes like Gabby Thomas and Daryll Neita are more than capable of stepping into the spotlight and delivering memorable moments. The event is set to bring renewed attention to women’s track and field, with the promise of thrilling races and groundbreaking achievements. Fans will no doubt be on the edge of their seats as the athletes take to the track this Thursday, making history in the process.
