Bold leaps and strides are being made in track and field recently. Alexis Ohanian, renowned as the co-founder of Reddit and husband to tennis legend Serena Williams, disclosed on April 21st that his venture capital firm, Seven Seven Six, is investing in women’s track via the 776 Invitational. Scheduled for the end of September. Notably, it will boast the largest prize purse ever offered for a women-only track event. Despite this development, Tara Davis-Woodhall, who last month clinched the world indoor championship in the long jump, had harbored some disappointment. However, recent indications suggest a notable shift in her perspective.

Tara Davis took to X to share her views on Alexis Ohanian’s announcement about the new invitation for track events, which promised substantial prize money. Woodhall expressed her enthusiasm, asking, “Can I be a part of the field events meet?“ It’s important to note that this invitation pertains solely to track events, excluding field events. However, Tara appears satisfied with Alexis Ohanian’s response, as it reassures her.

Alexis Ohanian’s bold move set to give Tara Davis-Woodhall her higher calling

Undoubtedly talented, American Olympic track and field star Tara Davis-Woodhall has shown her skills on numerous occasions. In 2023, she secured a silver medal in the women’s long jump at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, with an impressive distance of 6.91 meters. Continuing her performance, she participated in the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships, where she clinched the gold medal in the long jump event, leaping an astounding 7.07 meters. Despite her immense skills in the long jump, it’s important to note that this discipline falls under the category of field events.

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While Tara Davis finds reassurance in Alexis Ohanian’s words on X, where he stated, “Don’t be mad… we’re not doing field events for this… it’ll just be track, but I have ideas and definitely wanna get you involved,” it appears that Alexis is poised to revolutionize the notion of low prize money for women’s events by injecting his ideas to gain more funds for them.

Is this going to be his next big thing post the advent of Reddit? What else has Alexis Ohanian got cooking in his arsenal to promise us that the 776 Invitational will be one worth lauding?

The disparity in prize money and efforts for change

The upcoming 776 Invitation boasts a substantial prize pool: $60,000 for first place, $25,000 for second, and $10,000 for third in each event. Notably, while observing the Diamond League, the highest prize for track and field stands at $30,000 for a final event. Even World Athletics is offering relatively low amounts, with each gold medalist in the 48 events only receiving $50,000, and relay teams sharing a collective $50,000 prize. This stark reality has prompted athletes like Sha’Carri Richardson to withdraw from events such as the Miramar Invitation due to insufficient compensation. However, notable figures such as Alexis Ohanian and Michael Johnson are spearheading efforts for change.

Olympic champion Michael Johnson is spearheading the launch of his own track and field league. With the overarching goal of promoting track and field athletes and boosting the sport’s popularity, Johnson’s league also promises substantial rewards. Initial reports from the Sports Business Journal suggest that the league’s opening event will feature a $1 million prize, to be distributed among contestants and two champions.