Alexis Ohanian has once again stirred the athletics world by offering Faith Kipyegon $100,000 if she breaks the mile world record while using the moment to take a direct jab at struggling rivals Grand Slam Track. The tech entrepreneur and Athlos founder, known for his outspoken support for athletes’ welfare, used Kipyegon’s Breaking4 attempt in Paris as a platform to highlight what he claims is Athlos’ superior commitment to rewarding athletes promptly.
In a now-viral tweet, Ohanian pledged the cash prize to Kipyegon and made it clear that Athlos pays athletes “swiftly,” referencing their well-received meet last year. This comment was widely interpreted as a dig at Grand Slam Track, a rival outfit led by legendary sprinter Michael Johnson, which is currently embroiled in financial controversy.
Faith Kipyegon’s attempt at the mile record was nothing short of spectacular. At the Stade Charléty in Paris, she clocked 4:06.42, slicing over a second off her previous world record of 4:07.64. Though she didn’t crack the elusive sub-four barrier, her performance was still historic and Ohanian’s public offer brought more attention to the ongoing debate about how track and field athletes are treated.
Meanwhile, Grand Slam Track has been facing severe backlash due to alleged payment delays. The final leg of its inaugural series, scheduled for late June in Los Angeles, was suddenly cancelled. Several top athletes, including Brazil’s Alison dos Santos and Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi, have come forward stating they are yet to receive their winnings some as high as $250,000.
Reports indicate that only partial payments have been made for earlier GST meets in Kingston, with those who competed in Miami and Philadelphia still waiting. An agent representing multiple athletes claimed that while some delays are typical in the sport, GST’s payout timeline has stretched beyond the norm.
This situation has sparked a wider conversation about financial transparency and responsibility in track and field. While GST has yet to release an official explanation, the silence has only amplified criticism. Ohanian’s sharp comments and generous pledge stand in contrast to GST’s troubles, painting Athlos as a reliable alternative committed to athlete empowerment and integrity.
As the sport looks to attract more commercial interest and elevate athlete experiences, these off-track stories may prove just as pivotal as any performance on the track.
