Inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships Begin in Budapest

The World Athletics Ultimate Championships has commenced in Budapest, marking the inaugural event of its kind. Scheduled from 11 to 13 September, the competition brings together Olympic champions, world champions, and prestigious Diamond League winners for three days of intense racing and throwing. The event is hosted by World Athletics and aims to showcase the world’s elite athletes.

This new biennial championship includes a line-up of 22 athletes from the Great Britain and Northern Ireland (GB & NI) team. The competition features 13 individual events for both men and women, along with two mixed relay races. Participants are competing for a substantial prize fund totalling $10 million, a record for this level of athletics.

Key competitors include Paris Olympic Champion Keely Hodgkinson in the women’s 800 metres, and Georgia Hunter Bell, also aiming for victory in the women’s 1500 metres after securing multiple titles this season. Fresh off a significant achievement of four European gold medals, Amy Hunt will participate in both the 100 metres and 200 metres events. Additionally, Success Eduan is set to compete in the women’s 200 metres after qualifying through world rankings.

On the men's side, Matthew Hudson-Smith, noted as Europe’s most decorated athlete, will race in the 400 metres. He will be joined by sprint champions Romell Glave and Jeremiah Azu, who will contest the 100 metres. Additionally, Josh Kerr, the mile world record holder, is expected to make an impactful return to the 1500 metres, along with last year’s world champion Jake Wightman. Kerr expressed his excitement prior to the championship, stating, “I’m coming to compete for the win.”

In the men’s 800 metres, athletes Max Burgin and Ben Pattison will represent the GB & NI team, while Hannah Nuttall will compete in the women’s 5000 metres. Jazmin Sawyers, a European silver medalist, is set to participate in the long jump event. Lina Nielsen will contest the women’s 400 metres hurdles after qualifying based on world rankings.

The GB & NI team also secured spots in both mixed relay events at the World Athletics Relays held previously in Botswana, with the mixed 4x400 metres team finishing third to qualify and the mixed 4x100 metres team advancing through the world rankings. The relay events have a specific quota stipulating one team per country, unlike individual events which permit multiple athletes from the same nation.

Fans can tune in to watch the championship action live on BBC platforms throughout the weekend. The full schedule and additional information can be found via official athletics channels.