Budapest hosted the final night of the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship on Sunday, delivering memorable performances that highlighted the depth of global track talent. The event, which attracted more than 60,000 fans over three sold‑out days, featured a $10 million prize pool – the richest ever in athletics.
Dos Santos Defends His World‑Record Reputation
Brazilian hurdler Alison dos Santos lived up to the hype generated by his world‑record run two weeks earlier. He crossed the finish line in 45.98 seconds, comfortably ahead of U.S. contender Rai Benjamin, who posted a time of 46.40, and former record‑holder Karsten Warholm of Norway, who finished in 46.78. The men’s 400m hurdles race demonstrated dos Santos’s consistency at the elite level, reinforcing his status as the sport’s premier hurdler.
On the women’s side, the United States’ Jasmine Jones claimed victory in the 400m hurdles with a time of 52.45, adding to the night’s showcase of top‑tier performances.
Algerian Surprise in the 800m
In a dramatic finish, Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati surged past Canada’s 2023 world champion Marco Arop in the final meters to win the men’s 800m in 1:41.91. Arop, who had been a favorite, finished in 1:42.28, while Kenya’s Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi took third place with a time of 1:42.44. Sedjati’s victory underscored the unpredictable nature of middle‑distance racing and highlighted the rising competitiveness of athletes from North Africa.
Other Notable Performances
Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage threw the javelin a distance of 91.09 m, securing a win by nearly five metres over his rivals. In the women’s 5,000m, Ethiopia’s Likina Amebaw executed a tactical race, pulling away in the final laps to finish in 14:30.36.
The championship’s prize pool of $10 million, the largest in the sport’s history, was distributed among the winners and top finishers, providing a significant financial incentive for athletes and raising the profile of the competition.
Impact on the Sport
The inaugural Ultimate Championship has set a new benchmark for athletics events, combining high‑stakes competition with a fan‑friendly atmosphere. Organizers hope that the success of this first edition will pave the way for future editions, offering athletes additional opportunities to compete for substantial rewards while engaging a global audience.
With record‑breaking performances and surprising upsets, the Budapest finale reaffirmed the global appeal of track and field and demonstrated that the sport continues to evolve, delivering excitement for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
