World Athletics holds inaugural Ultimate Championship event in Budapest
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 13, 2026, 7:18 PM
Last updated Sep 13, 2026
The inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship concluded in Budapest this weekend, featuring a three-day schedule designed to promote the sport during years without major global tournaments. The event prioritized star athletes and a faster pace by eliminating traditional qualifying rounds. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe attended the finale along with more than 20 International Olympic Committee members. Participants competed for significant prize money, with hammer thrower Merlin Hummel earning $150,000 for his victory. While some athletes praised the event for its focus on modernizing the sport, others expressed frustration regarding the limited selection of included disciplines. Discus thrower Matthew Denny criticized the format, suggesting the new structure lacked substantive changes despite the high-profile presentation.
- •World Athletics launched the Ultimate Championship in Budapest with a three-day format.
- •The competition removed traditional qualifying rounds to focus on featured athletes.
- •Hammer thrower Merlin Hummel won $150,000 in prize money.
- •International Olympic Committee members attended the event to observe the new format.
- •The event drew mixed feedback from athletes regarding the selection of included track and field disciplines.
- 7:18 PMYahoo Sports — Athletics' new Ultimate Championship garners mixed response
"Olympic champion Noah Lyles behind the DJ decks, record prize money and plenty of glitter and neon light - the premiere of the Ultimate Championship in Budapest delivered a TV-friendly spectacle and praise from athletes, but also criticism from those left out. The new three-day athletics show, with even more focus on stars and without long qualifying rounds, was developed to give the traditional sport a boost in years without world championships or Olympics.
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