Athlos NYC’s pioneering celebration of women’s track athletes has been an inspiring initiative started by Alexis Ohanian. And such a revolution needs the best in sports to headline the event and boost its popularity, which meant New York was ready to welcome the new queen of sprinting. But alas, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden had some bad news.

On September 26, the new World Champion took to X to announce that she would not be participating in Athlos NYC25, scheduled for October 10. She wrote a message to her fans explaining her decision. And you know what? The fans have been nothing but supportive, backing her to do justice to the sport. But why is the American skipping the 2025 event?

It’s due to fatigue, as Jefferson-Wooden explained after a grueling season. “What a year it’s been. From an undefeated season in the 100m, to etching my name in history as the first American to win triple gold at the same World Championships… SOMEBODY PINCH ME!” Her campaign began on April 5 at the Kingston Grand Slam Track (GST) and saw her rack up medal after medal, culminating in golds in the 100m, 200m, and 4×100m relay at the 2025 World Athletics Championships.

But making history comes at a cost. “After a lot of thought and consideration, my team and I have decided I won’t be competing at the ATHLOS Meet on October 10th,” she wrote. “It wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s the right one.” This means the 24-year-old will also miss the second edition of the Athlos NYC meet — disappointing news, no doubt.

The event will still feature World Champions and Paris Olympics medalists headlining the program. Expect Sha’Carri Richardson, Gabby Thomas, Faith Kipyegon, Keely Hodgkinson, and many more big names at Icahn Stadium on October 10. From sprints to hurdles to middle-distance, Athlos NYC is bringing it all.

So, as far as entertainment and excitement are concerned, the fans are covered. And they don’t mind seeing their world champion prioritize her well-being and step aside for this one.

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden finds overwhelming support

No criticism, no questions asked. The fans want what’s best for Jefferson-Wooden. One wrote, “Smart move to avoid injury. Take a rest and get sub-10.60 next year.” The American ran a personal best of 10.61 seconds in the 100m final at the Tokyo World Championships — the 4th-fastest time in sprint history. With rest and a fresh start, the speedster could even chase the 10.49-second world record.

Another fan said, “This makes sense. You started all the way back in April; that’s a very long season.” Jefferson-Wooden’s season continued non-stop as she aced the inaugural GST, swept the US Championships, and won three Diamond League meets, including the Prefontaine Classic.

And then came the Tokyo World Championships. Alongside her 10.61 PB in the 100m, she ran 21.68 seconds in the 200m finals — the 8th-fastest time in history. In short, Jefferson-Wooden has been a trailblazer at the World Championships and throughout 2025.

So, one fan summed it up perfectly: “You had an amazing season. This is the BEST decision. Congrats on all your success this year and beyond 🔥.” Another added, “Oh that’s a shame. You are now a big draw, so sad you’re not able to participate, but I understand — it’s been a very long season for you.”

It would have been an iconic moment for Alexis Ohanian’s Athlos NYC — the American record-breaker making her first appearance as a Triple World Champion in the women’s-only tournament. It would have been a powerful statement for an event striving to elevate women’s track and field.

Still, Jefferson-Wooden has promised to be in New York to support her competitors and help make Athlos NYC25 a success. She’ll also be connecting with fans — a welcome bit of news one supporter quickly embraced: “Such a wise decision,” they wrote, applauding her choice to take a much-deserved rest while still committing to the event. “See you in Nuevo York!”

Her absence from the Athlos lineup may be disappointing, but her presence in the stadium underscores how much the event means to her. Meanwhile, we wish the world champion a well-earned rest before she makes her winning return to the track.