The sold-out success of the recent Diamond League meeting has ignited renewed calls for the host city to consider a bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships.

Thousands of enthusiastic fans packed the stadium, generating an electric atmosphere that both athletes and organizers hailed as one of the best in recent memory. The turnout has prompted key figures in athletics to argue that the city is not only ready—but ideally positioned—to host the world’s premier track and field event.

The Diamond League meet, known for attracting some of the biggest names in global athletics, witnessed a record crowd that exceeded expectations.

Tickets sold out weeks in advance, a rarity in an era when many track events struggle to fill seats. Spectators were treated to thrilling performances, with world leads and personal bests falling across various disciplines. The crowd’s energy seemed to fuel the athletes, creating a feedback loop of excitement that highlighted the event’s success.

Athletes and coaches were quick to praise the event’s organization and the support from the local community. Olympic champion and Diamond League regular Jakob Ingebrigtsen called the atmosphere “electric” and said it reminded him of competing in global finals. “It felt like a championship tonight,” he told reporters. “The crowd, the energy, the organization—it was all world-class.”

Local officials, buoyed by the positive feedback and the logistical success of the event, are seriously considering a bid to host the 2029 World Championships.

The city’s mayor remarked in a press conference, “What we saw here tonight was not just a successful sporting event. It was a statement. Our city has the infrastructure, the passion, and the capability to host the very best in global athletics.”

In the wake of the sell-out, several national and international athletics officials echoed those sentiments. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, who attended the event, said he was impressed by the operational excellence and community engagement. “The Diamond League here set a benchmark,” Coe said. “When you see this level of support and energy, it’s only natural to think about scaling it to a full championship.”

Past World Championships have been awarded to cities with a strong track record of hosting international events, solid infrastructure, and enthusiastic local backing. This city now ticks all those boxes.

The stadium, recently renovated to meet international standards, includes a fast track surface, expanded seating, and modern athlete facilities. The local transportation network efficiently handled the influx of spectators, and hospitality venues across the city reported booming business over the event weekend.

Perhaps most crucially, the emotional connection between the fans and the sport was evident. Social media was flooded with videos and photos from attendees celebrating the event, with many calling it one of the most memorable sporting experiences of their lives.

As discussions around the 2029 World Championships heat up, this Diamond League meet may be remembered as the catalyst. With growing support from athletes, officials, and the public, a formal bid seems increasingly likely. If successful, the 2029 edition could mark a new high point for athletics and reaffirm the city’s place on the global sporting map.

A former coach who helped transform Usain Bolt into the world’s fastest man has opened up on what “stood out like a sore thumb” when he first started working with the Jamaican sprinter.

Glen Mills, who was head coach of the Jamaican national team between 1987 and 2009, was approached by Bolt in late 2004, shortly after he endured a disappointing Olympic debut in Athens.

Bolt would soon complete 100 metres in 10.03 seconds; an impressive time given his lack of explosive training. Mills was impressed, but there was still work to be done on the track to improve those numbers.

In fact, Mills has since revealed what “stood out like a sore thumb” when he first worked alongside Bolt, who would later become the world’s fastest man with a 100 metres time of 9.58 seconds.

After describing Bolt as an “extremely gifted athlete”, the 75-year-old coach gave an insight into his so-called “poor mechanics” when running.

“When I started working with him, one of the things that stood out like a sore thumb was his poor mechanics,” Mills told Speed Endurance. “He was running behind the centre of balance. This resulted in a negative force against his forward drive and it was affecting other areas.”

Mills claimed Bolt’s style would continually cause him hamstring problems.

“We set about doing drills,” he added. “Then we took videos of his workouts and broke them down on the screen in slow motion to show him exactly what he was doing. I would draw diagrams and show him the position that we are working to achieve.”

Usain Bolt alongside his coach Glen Mills during a training session ahead of the 16th IAAF World Athletics Championships London in 2017.

Usain Bolt alongside his coach Glen Mills during a training session ahead of the 16th IAAF World Athletics Championships London in 2017.

Such was Bolt’s dominance in the coming years, the Jamaican once told one of his biggest rivals that he was “the only man in the world” who could beat him.

Back in 2009, America’s Tyson Gay became the second-fastest man in the world when he ran the 100 metres in 9.69 seconds, but a year prior to that achievement, Bolt told fellow Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell that he was “the only man in the world” who could overtake him.

Powell previously set the 100 metres world record on two occasions with times of 9.77 and 9.74 seconds.

Speaking to The Guardian back in 2011, Powell opened up on the conversations he supposedly had with Bolt.

“I think in the entire world I’m the only person that has always scared him [Bolt],” Powell said.

“He’s always been telling me that over the years. I get the truth out of him when he drinks a bit. He gets a bit tipsy and he’s like [adopts a slurring voice]: ‘Asafa, you’re the only man in the world I think can beat me’.”

Mills played an instrumental role in Bolt’s career.

Mills played an instrumental role in Bolt’s career.

Powell added: “He first told me that in 2008… just before the Olympics. He’d just run 9.72. He said: ‘You’re the only man in the world who I think can beat me’.”

Usain Bolt, widely regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time, redefined the limits of human speed during his decorated career. With eight Olympic gold medals and world records in the 100m and 200m, Bolt’s dominance over a decade left many competitors in his wake. However, in the competitive and often ego-driven world of elite sprinting, not every rival accepted defeat with grace. One such unnamed sprinter remained adamant that he could have beaten Bolt—if only circumstances had been different.

According to reports and insider commentary, Bolt was advised by his camp not to entertain a challenge from this particular sprinter, who remained vocal about his belief that he could outrun the Jamaican superstar. Whether this guidance was rooted in strategic caution, concerns about legacy, or a desire to avoid legitimizing empty bravado, Bolt chose not to engage—at least not on the track.

The rival, whose name has not been officially disclosed in the recent reports, maintained that injuries, lack of resources, or even unfair timing in career peaks robbed him of the opportunity to compete with Bolt on equal footing. This isn’t an unfamiliar narrative in sports. Many athletes, when overshadowed by a generational talent, look to hypothetical scenarios to bolster their legacy. “If I had the same support system…”, “If I wasn’t dealing with injuries…”—these refrains echo through locker rooms and post-career interviews alike.

But with Bolt, such claims have always been met with skepticism. His rise to the top wasn’t merely about talent. Yes, his towering frame and explosive stride gave him a physical edge, but Bolt combined natural ability with unmatched charisma, fierce competitiveness, and consistency when it mattered most. He rose to the occasion, setting world records in Olympic finals, under immense pressure, with the world watching.

Even so, Bolt was not without challengers. American sprinters like Justin Gatlin and Tyson Gay pushed him in various races, sometimes even defeating him outside of major championship events. But when it came to the grandest stages—the Olympics and World Championships—Bolt stood unshaken. These were not easy wins. Bolt had to deal with injuries himself, training setbacks, and the psychological warfare that often accompanies high-stakes athletics.

It’s understandable why an elite sprinter might believe they could challenge Bolt. Confidence is essential at that level. But sporting greatness isn’t determined by possibility—it’s measured by results. The “what ifs” will always linger, but history remembers what happened, not what might have.

Perhaps Bolt’s decision to not race the outspoken rival reflects wisdom. Engaging in a match-up driven by ego rather than competition could have risked his legacy or opened doors for unnecessary controversy. Sometimes, the greatest statement is silence.

In the end, Usain Bolt’s records, gold medals, and enduring global admiration speak louder than any unrun race. While others may continue to speculate about what could have been, Bolt remains in a league of his own—untouched, undisputed, and unbothered by the noise behind him.

The Philly Grand Slam is poised to deliver fireworks, with some of track and field’s most electrifying talents set to clash. Headlining the women’s events are two potentially explosive matchups: Ackera Nugent vs. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and Gabby Thomas vs. Melissa Jefferson. Each pairing pits rising stars against established champions, creating an ideal mix of speed, rivalry, and unpredictability.

Ackera Nugent vs. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

In the 100m hurdles showdown, Ackera Nugent, the Jamaican phenom, faces off with American sensation Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Nugent, known for her blazing starts and consistent times, has been rapidly ascending the world rankings. Her NCAA exploits for Arkansas and recent international success have put her firmly in the spotlight.

On the other hand, McLaughlin-Levrone, though primarily a 400m hurdler, is no stranger to sprint hurdles. She’s the world record holder and Olympic champion in the 400m hurdles, which speaks volumes about her speed, technical finesse, and mental grit. However, her transition to flat and sprint events this season suggests she’s aiming to expand her dominance.

This matchup will test Nugent’s sharp technique against Sydney’s incredible raw speed and racing IQ. While Nugent may have an edge in pure hurdling form and frequency, Sydney’s athletic ceiling is arguably the highest in the sport. If she gets her rhythm right, she could push Nugent harder than most expect. Still, given Sydney’s less frequent competition in the sprint hurdles, Nugent is the favorite—but only slightly. Expect a photo finish.

Gabby Thomas vs. Melissa Jefferson

In the women’s 200m, it’s speed vs. speed as Gabby Thomas and Melissa Jefferson line up. Gabby, the Tokyo bronze medalist and second-fastest American ever over the 200m, has a reputation for closing races with remarkable strength. Her smooth stride and consistent execution make her a formidable opponent over the half-lap.

Melissa Jefferson, a former NCAA champion and U.S. national titlist in the 100m, brings explosive acceleration to the table. Though her specialty is the straightaway dash, her transition to the 200m has shown promise. Jefferson has been working on her curve running and endurance, which could surprise fans in Philadelphia.

This race hinges on how Jefferson manages the first 120 meters. If she gets out ahead of Gabby, the pressure will be on. But Gabby’s experience and superior back-end speed make her the likely winner—especially in the final 50 meters, where she tends to separate from the field. Still, Jefferson is unpredictable and fearless, which could make this one closer than expected.

Prediction Summary

Nugent vs. McLaughlin-Levrone: Slight edge to Ackera Nugent due to technical consistency in the hurdles, but McLaughlin-Levrone could steal it if she executes well.

Thomas vs. Jefferson: Gabby Thomas is the favorite with her experience and 200m finesse, though Jefferson’s raw power can’t be overlooked.

The Philly Grand Slam is shaping up to be a defining stop on the road to the Olympic Trials. Whether it’s the hurdles or the sprints, these matchups are more than just races—they’re battles for momentum, pride, and position on the global stage.

In a world where speed thrills and competition captivates, a new 3D simulation has reignited the age-old debate: how does the fastest human compare to the animal kingdom’s elite sprinters? The virtual showdown features Olympic legend Usain Bolt, a racehorse, and the world’s fastest land mammal — the cheetah. The results? Fascinating, humbling, and a striking reminder of nature’s engineering marvels.

Created using biomechanical data, motion capture technology, and real-world performance stats, the simulation offers more than just entertainment — it provides a science-backed glimpse into comparative anatomy and physiology. At first glance, it may seem like Bolt doesn’t stand a chance. And while that’s partly true, the devil is in the details.

The simulation sets the stage with all three competitors lined up on a digital track, calibrated to reflect each one’s natural stride, acceleration, and top speed. As the starting signal fires, Bolt launches off the blocks with the powerful, explosive start that made him a global icon. Within the first few seconds, he’s neck-and-neck with the racehorse — a testament to his staggering acceleration and sprint mechanics.

Usain Bolt, during his peak, reached speeds of nearly 28 mph (45 km/h). For a human, that’s nearly superhuman. His 100-meter world record of 9.58 seconds still stands today, an awe-inspiring demonstration of human potential. However, even that is no match for the speed of a racehorse, which can gallop at around 40 to 44 mph (64–70 km/h) in short bursts. But even the horse gets humbled in this race.

Enter the cheetah — a blur of spots and muscle. The cheetah hits 60 to 70 mph (96–113 km/h) in just a few strides, achieving full speed in under three seconds. Its spine works like a spring, extending and contracting to allow incredible reach with each step. In the simulation, the cheetah bolts ahead of both competitors almost instantly, leaving a visible gap within seconds.

What makes the simulation compelling is how it visualizes not just raw speed, but how each contender’s body is adapted for their style of motion. Bolt relies on muscle coordination, stride efficiency, and explosive leg power. The horse exhibits remarkable endurance and stable high-speed gait. The cheetah, though, is pure speed — built for explosive acceleration over short distances.

Interestingly, the simulation also adds a twist: what if the race were longer than 100 meters? Here, endurance plays a surprising role.

The cheetah, while incredibly fast, cannot sustain its top speed for more than 20 to 30 seconds due to heat buildup and oxygen demand. The horse, with better stamina, begins to close the gap. Bolt, with training focused on sprints, remains behind — but not without showing incredible consistency.

The verdict? For raw speed, nothing touches the cheetah. For endurance over longer distances, the horse may take the lead. But Bolt’s place remains secure — the fastest human ever, and a symbol of what sheer dedication and athleticism can achieve.

This 3D simulation doesn’t just pit speedsters against each other; it opens our eyes to the diverse ways life has evolved to move. It’s a thrilling blend of sports, science, and storytelling — and a reminder that while we may not be the fastest, humans can certainly imagine, analyze, and marvel like no other species.

Sha’Carri RichardsonPhotographer: Patrick Smith

Athlos, an all-female track event founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, is expanding into a team-based league for 2026 and adding field events.

The league will feature Olympic medalists and Team USA standouts Sha’Carri Richardson, Gabby Thomas, and Tara Davis-Woodhall as adviser-owners and shareholders.

Athlos held its inaugural race in 2024, drawing 3 million viewers, and will host another race in October before launching the league next year.

Athlos, the all-female track event founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, is expanding into a team-based league for 2026 and adding field events.

The league will be headlined by Olympic medalists and Team USA standouts Sha’Carri Richardson, Gabby Thomas and Tara Davis-Woodhall, who will all serve as adviser-owners and shareholders in the league.

“For so long, athletes, especially in track, have carried the show but never owned the stage. To have a seat at the table where the decisions get made? That’s powerful.” Richardson said in an emailed statement to Bloomberg.

Ohanian launched Athlos — the Greek word for contest — last year in an ambitious attempt to shake up women’s track, combining music, racing and bigger prize money.

Athlos held its inaugural race in September of 2024 at Icahn Stadium in New York City. It showcased six sprint style races, with a DJ playing in between every race and each runner being introduced with a walkout song. They gave away one of the largest prize purse in the sport’s history along, with $60,000 for the winners plus a Tiffany’s crown. The night ended with a concert by rapper Megan Thee Stallion.

“Athlos isn’t just trying to fit track into an old model. It’s building something new that honors the athletes, the culture, and the competition in a way that grabs people’s attention and makes the sport accessible. That’s what’s going to push the sport into the mainstream.” Richardson said of how Athlos is set to elevate the sport.

The first season drew about 3 million viewers, the company said. Now they will host another race at Icahn Stadium in October of this year before launching the league next year.

Gabby Thomas following the 200m during Athlos at Icahn Stadium in New York on Sept. 26.Photographer: Patrick Smith

No specific financials were released about the league, but Athlos confirmed there will be individual prizes per meet, and a team prize for the championship.

Giving the founding athletes equity wasn’t something planned when they initially signed on to be part of the league.

“That wasn’t even a part of the conversation” Ohanian said in an interview. “So you can imagine it was a nice surprise to say, hey, look, we’re doing a league now, and we’d love to have you involved and have a stake in it.”

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Athletes have increasingly taking stakes in the growing number of new startups outside of tradtional leagues and competitions. San Antonio Spurs point guard Chris Paul recently bought into Tiger Woods’ Tomorrow’s Golf League franchise Jupiter Links GC, joining sports stars including Mike Trout and Harry Kane as backers of the team. Footballers including Diogo Jota, Diogo Dalot, and Mason Mount invested in Baller League, a six-a-side football competition backed by a range of influencers and former footballers.

Ohanian, who funded Athlos through his 776 venture capital firm, is looking to making track a lot more fun for fans and boosted viewership, thereby increasing pay for the athletes beyond the four-year Olympic cycle.

A push has been made to capture the popularity of track and field outside of mainstream athletic events. Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track launched in April with a $12.6 million prize pot, with $100,000 for the winner of each event. Next year will see the launch of the World Athletics Ultimate Championships, with a $10 million pot and $150,000 for first place.

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