World Athletics Ultimate Championship: Everything you need to know about the new global competition
BBC Sport presents a comprehensive guide to the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship, coming to Budapest from 11-13 September, live on the BBC.
The Concept
Imagine an athletics event like no other—a spectacle that combines the sport’s glitz and glamour with record prize money and star-studded competition. Welcome to the World Athletics Ultimate Championship.
Why the Need?
Athletics has long searched for a way to retain excitement between Olympic Games, which traditionally act as the pinnacle event every four years. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics postponement and subsequent disruption due to the pandemic further emphasised this need. This new competition aims to fill that void.
How Does it Work?
- Format: Spread across three nights, with three-hour sessions each night.
- Eligibility: Open to reigning Olympic, World, and Diamond League champions, plus athletes qualifying through world rankings. A few exceptional cases have been made for athletes who missed the qualification mark.
- Prize Money: Boasting a massive $10m in total prize money, it’s set to be the most lucrative athletics event of its kind.
Key Features
- Innovative Venue: The championship will take place in Budapest, returning to the stadium where Josh Kerr became world champion in 2023.
- Star-Studded Lineup: Featuring the best athletes from around the globe, including Noah Lyles (MC) and Armand Duplantis (potential world record breaker).
- New Title: A fresh title for the sport’s elite, providing a new platform to showcase their talents.
Historical Context
While inspired by the success of other leagues like Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track league (which faced financial challenges), World Athletics Ultimate Championship is backed by the governing body itself, aiming to act as an "incubator for change" and shape future World Championships.
What Do Athletes Think?
Athletes are excited about the opportunity to compete in a high-profile event with significant rewards. Many see it as a chance to raise athletics’ profile, especially during years without major international competitions like the Olympics or World Championships.
In Conclusion
The World Athletics Ultimate Championship represents a bold step forward for the sport, offering a unique blend of competition, entertainment, and financial incentives. It remains to be seen if it will achieve its goals, but with strong support from both athletes and the governing body, it’s set to be an unforgettable event.
