The Budapest 2026 World Athletics Ultimate Championship kicked off in the early hours today (Beijing time). The three-day meet brings together Olympic champions, world champions and Diamond League winners. The total prize pool is a staggering USD 10 million, with individual event winners earning USD 150,000.
Eight event champions were decided on the opening day.
Men’s 5000m: Ingebrigtsen powers away late to take victory
Norwegian star Jakob Ingebrigtsen unleashed a decisive kick down the final straight to break clear of the field, winning in 12:59.24. He covered the last 100m in 12.60 and closed the final lap in 54.39. American Cole Hocker finished second in 13:00.05, with Parker Wolfe third in 13:00.13.
Men’s pole vault: Duplantis comfortably retains title
Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis won with a clearance of 6.20m. After securing the title he immediately went for a new world record at 6.32m but failed on all three attempts. Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis cleared 6.15m for second, and Sondre Guttormsen took third with 5.95m.
Women’s high jump: Mahuchikh stands alone
Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh won with 1.99m — the only athlete to clear that height. Australia’s Nicola Olyslagers was second with 1.95m, while Angelina Topić and Eleanor Patterson tied for third at 1.91m.
Men’s hammer: Hummel triumphs in wet conditions; Katzberg exits in shock
Germany’s Merlin Hummel claimed victory in damp conditions with 81.46m. Hungary’s home favourite Bence Halász took silver with 80.30m, and Ukraine’s Mykhaylo Kokhan was third at 78.90m. Olympic champion Ethan Katzberg fouled both opening-round attempts and recorded no valid mark, exiting in a major surprise.
Women’s 100m hurdles: Russell closes in on world record
U.S. athlete Masai Russell won in 12.22, just 0.13 seconds off the world record she set two weeks ago (12.09). Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan clocked 12.34 for second, and the Netherlands’ Nadine Visser was third in 12.39.
Men’s 110m hurdles: Americans take top four places
American Ja’Kobe Tharp won in 12.94, edging fellow countryman and 2025 world champion Cordell Tinch by 0.01 seconds (12.95). The U.S. swept the top four positions in the event.
Mixed 4×100m relay: USA narrowly overcomes Jamaica
The United States (Ronnie Baker, Anavia Battle, Courtney Lindsey, Kayla White) won in 39.64, just 0.02 seconds shy of the world record Jamaica set in May. Jamaica clocked 39.72 for second, with Great Britain third in 40.26.
Women’s long jump: Iapichino’s first jump decides it
Italy’s Larissa Iapichino opened with 6.90m and held on to win. Britain’s Jazmin Sawyers took silver with 6.78m, and the USA’s Alyssa Jones claimed bronze with 6.77m.
Text / Editor: HP
Photo source: World Athletics
Visuals: Max