"We want it to be the Coachella of track"- Alexis Ohanian opens up on his aims for '776 Invitational' with medals set to be replaced by Tiffany crowns

By Janhavi Shinde

Modified Aug 16, 2024 07:02 GMT

Alexis Ohanian recently revealed the extravagant prizes the winners will receive at the 776 Invitational at Icahn Stadium in New York. The event will feature 36 women athletes competing in six categories.

Serena Williams' husband Ohanian's firm Seven Seven Six will sponsor the female-only track event with the highest prize money in the world.

The tennis legend's husband announced the 776 Invitational during the Business of Women's Sports Conference in New York City in June 2024 along with Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas. In an interview with CBS, Ohanian revealed that the winners at the 776 Invitational will be awarded special Tiffany crowns and enormous prize money, ditching the traditional medals.

"It's gonna bring together the fastest women in the world to compete for the largest prize purse ever for a track event, men's or women's," Alexis Ohanian said. "Instead of medals, winners are gonna get these special Tiffany crowns and I couldn't be more excited about this."

"We want it to be the Coachella of track. We have got Olympic gold medal winner runners like Gabby Thomas, Alexis Holmes, Faith Kipyegon, and many more we haven't announced yet. They are going to be competing," he added.

The 776 Invitational is scheduled to be held in September, following the recently-concluded Paris Olympics.

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Alexis Ohanian reveals the highlights of the 776 Invitational in New York

Alexis Ohanian recently disclosed the highlights of the 776 Invitational slated for September this year, following the greatest sporting event held in Paris, the quadrennial Olympic Games.

Alexis Ohanian (Source: Getty)

During the aforementioned interview, the 41-year-old Ohanian revealed that the inaugural edition of the 776 Invitational will feature a performance by Megan Thee Stallion, an American rapper, and the music will be provided by American DJ and record producer D-Nice.

Ohanian also declared a substantial prize money for the winners. The first-place finisher in any track category will receive $60,000, the highest prize money ever paid in a track event. The second-place finisher will collect $25,000, while the next two finishers will take $10,000 and $8,000 home, respectively.

Further, the athletes securing fifth and sixth place will bag $5,000 and $2,500, respectively. Ohanian stated that top female athletes, including Olympic champions, will compete in the event, setting up a highly anticipated and edge-of-the-seat showdown for spectators. He mentioned the likes of Gabby Thomas, Alexis Holmes and Faith Kipyegon as viers at the 776 Invitational.