General
Athletics in Ultimate Format: Big Money, Black Grass, and (Almost) All Top Athletes Competing Against Each Other
The World Athletics Ultimate Championship debuts in Budapest from 2026-09-11, featuring only top athletes, no medals, and a record $10 million prize pool. Winners receive about €129,000, double last year’s World Championships. Innovations include black-painted grass and lane drafts. Some events like shot put and discus are excluded, sparking criticism from athletes like Pedro Pichardo and Jorinde van Klinken. Dutch athletes Nadine Visser, Lieke Klaver, Jonas Phijffers, Femke Broeders-Bol, and Maureen Koster participate. Organizers promise future adjustments.
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