Track events have always been a bit of an underdog when it comes to money and media love. Sure, the Olympics might give it a temporary glow-up every four years, but outside of that? It’s often crickets. And when it comes to field events? Even quieter. Long jump, triple jump, pole vault—these events rarely get the glitz or the sponsor attention that sprints or marathons pull in. But that’s exactly the kind of world that Tara Davis-Woodhall has been trying to flip on its head. But now, she’s doing it with the Swoosh.

Just days after parting ways with Lululemon—a brand she and her husband, Hunter Woodhall, had repped for three years—Tara signed a deal with Nike. It’s more than just a logo change. This move signaled a new era, not just for her, but for how elite field athletes can brand themselves. As she put it, “Nike is more than a sponsor: it’s a partner in creating change for women in sport.”

But that’s not all—during a recent appearance, she jokingly pointed to her kit and said, “Got a good spot right here if you want to put your name,” teasing that more deals may be in the pipeline. Tara’s never just jumping—she’s building. And that brings us to Athlos. Founded by Reddit’s Alexis Ohanian, the all-women’s track and field event is flipping the script on how the sport is marketed and monetized. “Field has historically been…under-invested in,” he said.

“And you don’t have the major networks. You don’t have—outside of the Olympics—your face, your story being told. So you tell it yourself. Because you’ve been so good at exercising that muscle, you have this…advantage.” Until now, field events have mostly been benched when it comes to center-stage attention. But at the 2025 Athlos meet, Tara wasn’t just part of the show—she was the show.

The long jump was featured for the first time, and there she was, front and center, not just competing but carrying the flag for an entire group of athletes who’ve been waiting for their moment. But it looks like her future is great? YK how? She’s already considering other potential brand deals, she suggested in a conversation with Ohanian. Further amplifying her impact, Davis-Woodhall was featured prominently in the inaugural Athlos event, a women-only track and field meet founded by Alexis Ohanian. 

With its mission to elevate field events, Athlos became the perfect platform for Davis-Woodhall to shine, not only showcasing her incredible talent but also her dedication to bringing more visibility to these often-overlooked disciplines. As her Nike partnership kicks off, her kit will proudly carry the swoosh, but she’s making it clear that she’s not done yet.

Playfully eyeing the blank space on her uniform, she teased, “Got a good spot right here if you want to put your name.” It’s a signal that Tara’s making big moves—and there’s room for more. But it seems Tara is now happy after bashing the Grand Slam track.

Tara Davis-Woodhall calls out GST

Athlos NYC is hitting the ground running since its debut in September 2024, and they’re backing up their promises. Their first meet was all about women’s events, and they offered some of the biggest payouts the sport has ever seen. First-place winners grabbed $60,000—double what the Diamond League Finals offer. But it wasn’t just about the cash.

Athlos also gave athletes a cut of the event’s total revenue, splitting 10% among competitors. It’s a fresh take on track and field, and with shorter schedules, packed stands, and social media buzzing, it’s no wonder the buzz has exploded in just a year. On the other hand, Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track (GST) is trying to make waves, but so far, it’s struggling.

Despite offering a hefty $12.6 million prize pool, with winners walking away with $100,000, GST’s debut in Kingston, Jamaica, fell flat. The attendance was low, the energy was lackluster, and the online hype didn’t come close to what Athlos has pulled off. To top it off, GST made the controversial move of excluding field events like the long jump and shot put.

Tara Davis-Woodhall didn’t hold back, calling them out, saying, “It’s track AND field for a reason. “The sport does not need you.” When you compare the two leagues, Athlos is leading the pack. Sure, GST has bigger prize money, but Athlos is creating something athletes want to be part of—a league that celebrates both track and field events, shares revenue with the athletes, and creates a real community vibe.

Athlos might not have the biggest cash prizes, but they’ve already gained more loyalty and buzz than GST, and that’s what counts. As Tara said, “It’s about respecting the sport, all of it.”