Women’s-Only Athlos Meet Brings Long Jump to Times Square Spotlight

Olympic champion Tara Davis-Woodhall leads a powerful field of female athletes as the long jump takes center stage in a historic Times Square event.

Tara Davis-Woodhall illuminated Times Square on Thursday night as she headlined the long jump qualifying round for the women’s-only Athlos meet in New York. Under the dazzling glow of giant billboards and surrounded by crowds of cheering fans, Davis-Woodhall leapt 6.81 meters on her final attempt, securing the top spot in the competition and thrilling both athletics enthusiasts and curious onlookers.

A New Era for Athlos

Athlos, an innovative athletics start-up, expanded its program this year by including field events in its sophomore season. Its debut in 2024 focused exclusively on track races at Icahn Stadium. By bringing the long jump into the heart of New York City, the event organizers aimed to give the discipline the spotlight it deserves. The unique urban setting added spectacle and energy, attracting new audiences to a sport often overshadowed by track events.

Top Performers Step Up

Davis-Woodhall was not the only star of the evening. Briton Jazmin Sawyers delivered an impressive 6.77-meter jump to finish second, while American Quanesha Burks claimed third place with 6.38 meters. All three athletes secured their place in Friday’s final at Icahn Stadium, where the main event will unfold alongside a packed lineup of track races at a sold-out venue on Randall’s Island.

Athletes Claim Their Moment

For Davis-Woodhall, the Times Square showcase was more than a qualifying event it was a statement of recognition for field athletes. “We deserve every second underneath the lights,” she declared to the crowd, reflecting the pride and passion shared by many in her discipline. The vibrant atmosphere symbolized a shift in how field events are perceived and presented to the world.

Field Events Fight for Recognition

Historically, field events have played a secondary role to sprinting and other track disciplines. Recent major competitions have sidelined them even further. For example, the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, launching next year, has excluded several field events from its schedule. Meanwhile, the Grand Slam Track, fronted by Michael Johnson, left out field events entirely before its inaugural 2025 season ended early due to financial difficulties.

From Question to Change

When Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, launched Athlos in 2024 with only track races, Davis-Woodhall publicly questioned the omission of field disciplines. “I tweeted (that) not realizing the voice that I had,” she later shared. “And how much my voice could change the sport or change anything.” Her advocacy became a catalyst for change, influencing Athlos to include the long jump and giving athletes a bigger stage.

A Sold-Out Stage Awaits

Friday’s final at Icahn Stadium is expected to draw a packed crowd and global attention. The spotlight on women’s long jump marks a breakthrough moment not only for Davis-Woodhall and her competitors but for the entire athletics community. By blending elite competition with a vibrant city backdrop, Athlos is redefining how track and field is experienced.

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