When Alexis Ohanian launched Athlos NYC last year, it wasn’t just about reimagining track and field. It was about the heart. And it all started with a moment of unexpected connection. How so? Back in 2021, the world was watching as Sha’Carri Richardson blazed to victory in the 100 meters at the U.S. Olympic Trials. But what should have been the beginning of an Olympic dream turned into heartbreak. A failed d— test. A suspension. No Tokyo. Then came the interview that changed everything. Richardson revealed she had just lost her biological mother days before the race. She had used c——- to cope. Alexis Ohanian was watching. And something clicked.

“In that moment, I felt like, wow, I can really empathize with this person,” Ohanian later said. “She was dealing with some serious s—. I instantly decided that day. I was like, ‘I’m a fan.’” He wasn’t just saying it. His own mother had passed away during the early days of Reddit. He knew that kind of pain. And from that moment on, he was in Richardson’s corner—silently, but solidly.

Fast forward more than a year, and a lot has changed. Richardson has reclaimed her throne. Ohanian has launched a new vision for the sport he now passionately supports. But one thing hasn’t changed: his unwavering fandom for the woman who lit the spark. And now, in 2025, it looks like that admiration is about to take center stage.

On May 28, Ohanian posted a familiar clip to X—Sha’Carri’s fiery declaration from years ago: “I’m ready. Mentally, physically and emotionally. And I’m here to stay. I’m not back. I’m better.” He captioned it cryptically: “It’s been too long since we broke the internet with @ATHLOS news. WYD tomorrow?” At the same time, the official Athlos account dropped another breadcrumb: “Don’t blink or you’ll miss it.” The track world leaned in. Could it be? Could Sha’Carri Richardson be headlining the next edition of Athlos NYC?

Nothing’s confirmed yet. No official word. But the signs are impossible to ignore. One repost. One iconic quote. And one date on the calendar that suddenly feels heavy with potential. However, last year, Athlos NYC showed why it was different than other track and field contests.

Amid booming pop music and energetic walk-up songs for the athletes, the meet featured six high-level races, a substantial prize purse, custom-designed Tiffany crowns for the winners, and a 30-minute concert by Grammy-winning hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion. So it was the perfect matchup of speed, glamor, and prizes. And if Sha’Carri Richardson joins the league, the contest will get a more bold vibe. However, for the 25-year-old, things have yet to get on track this season. 

Sha’Carri Richardson is experiencing good vibes lately 

Sha’Carri Richardson’s long-awaited 2025 debut at the Golden Grand Prix in Tokyo didn’t go as fans hoped. Clocking 11.47 seconds in the 100m, she finished fourth—her slowest time since 2021. The shock winner? Australia’s Bree Rizzo, who stormed to a personal best of 11.38. Star Athletics teammate TeeTee Terry grabbed second in 11.42, while Canada’s Sade McCreath edged Sha’Carri for third by just 0.01.

As speculation swirls around the sluggish performance, one voice is calling for calm: Olympic medalist and training partner Aaron Brown. Speaking to Perdita Felicien on CBS Sports, Brown made it clear—he’s not worried. Rather, he’s seen this story before. 

“She’s had times where she’s opened up, and didn’t look like she was up to the task. And then Prefontaine rolls around and she’s winning and blowing her way and looking like old Sha’Carri,” the Canadian athlete said. Most importantly, he reminded everyone that Richardson already has a bye into the World Championships. “She needs to be ready in September. She’s even had to go to trials and light it up like she normally does. So she has time to build it up and take her time and just, just trust the process.”

So, things are heating up for Sha’Carri lately, and tomorrow might just bring the announcement the track and field fans have been waiting for. Stay ready.