The World Athletics Ultimate Championship will kick off in Budapest tomorrow, featuring top track and field athletes, including Canadians, competing for substantial cash prizes across a three-day event.
Created by World Athletics, the Ultimate Championship brings together elite athletes for a televised international meet in non-World Championship years. The event aims to maintain post-Olympic momentum by offering $10 million in prize money, with $150,000 for each event winner, a significant increase from previous competitions.
The competition includes 26 events: 13 men’s, 13 women’s, and two relays. To fit the event into a TV-friendly schedule, some events were excluded, and the competition will run with streamlined sessions over three days.
Notable Canadian athletes participating include Olympic and world champion Ethan Katzberg in the men’s hammer throw, former world champion Marco Arop in the men’s 800m, and Olympic gold medalists Andre De Grasse and Aaron Brown in the men’s 200m.
Key international athletes to watch include Olympic champions Julien Alfred and Gabby Thomas, as well as top contenders in various events like Audrey Werro, Keely Hodgkinson, and Mondo Duplantis.
The event will be broadcast live on CBC Gem and CBC TV over the three days, starting from Friday at 1 p.m. ET. Fans can follow the action and access start lists and results for the Ultimate Championship.
In addition to the competition, notable figures like Noah Lyles will be present in various capacities, enhancing the event’s allure and engagement.