Three-time gold champion Thomas recorded a time of 22.21 seconds, but Olympic bronze medallist Brown finished in 22.18 seconds.
At the women’s-only track invitational, Faith Kipyegon, the Kenyan 1500-meter world record holder, and Marileidy Paulino, the Olympic 400-meter champion, were two of the champions who took home $60,000 (£44,900).
The tournament was organized by Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit and husband of 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams in tennis. It features an unprecedented $500,000 (£374,000) prize pool for a women’s track meet.
I’m thrilled to be involved in this sport because I think it’s developing and growing a lot,” Brown remarked.
In contrast, the Diamond League gives a first reward of $15,000 (£11,200) for each of its 15 series meetings, with the final prize rising to $30,000 (£22,400).
Thirty-six competitors participated in the 100, 200, 400, 100-meter hurdles, 800, and 1500 meters at the Icahn Stadium. Tiffany & Co., a jewelry company in New York, presented the winners with a crown.
“Hey, so what is your top prize for winning at the end of a season?” I asked these women. Ohanian told Reuters, “And they said $30,000.”
