Bolt amazed by record prize money at inaugural Ultimate Championship

Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt has heaped praise on the record prize money of the upcoming World Athletics Ultimate Championship, where each individual event winner will take home $150,000. Speaking on the World Athletics website, Bolt said: 'If this championship had existed during my competing days, I would have been first in line. This is what athletes deserve.' The championship is billed as a revolutionary event in the global athletics calendar. Taking place in Budapest in September 2026, it sits outside the traditional Olympic and World Championships cycle. With a total prize pool described as 'the richest in the sport's history', individual winners receive $150,000, while relay teams earn $80,000 (approximately $20,000 per athlete if shared equally). Bolt was particularly impressed, adding: 'When I competed, prize money for a major event was only a fraction. This shows World Athletics truly listens to athletes.' The Ultimate Championship features the world's top 16 athletes per event, with no heats or semifinals – a completely new format. According to World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, this change caters to modern audiences: 'We want to create a compact, dramatic product with no downtime. This championship is built with fans and athletes.' Coe also emphasized that the event emerges in an increasingly crowded sports market. The star-studded lineup includes Noah Lyles, reigning Olympic 100m champion, and Mondo Duplantis, Swedish pole vault world record holder. Notably, Duplantis will not only compete but also perform the championship's theme song 'Gold', which he wrote himself – a rare blend of sports and entertainment. Meanwhile, Dawn Harper-Nelson, former Olympic 100m hurdles champion, will serve as a broadcast commentator. However, the championship raises several questions. One of the biggest concerns is the schedule—it falls in a year athletes typically use for rest and recovery after major championships. Coe acknowledged that adding an elite event at this point could lead to overload but insisted athletes have a choice: 'We're not forcing anyone. This is an unprecedented earning opportunity. Athletes will decide what's best for their careers.' Regarding the entry mechanism, only 16 athletes per event are invited, based on world rankings or wild cards. This creates a significant barrier—not everyone gets a chance. Many experts worry that selection may be biased or dependent on commercial contracts, reducing fairness. World Athletics, however, pledges a transparent process. For Vietnamese athletics fans, the Ultimate Championship offers a thrilling yet distant prospect. No Vietnamese athlete currently qualifies, but the huge prize money underscores the potential of professional sports if properly invested. Bolt also sends a message to young athletes: 'Dream big. This sport is changing fast, and you never know what comes next.' The championship includes events like 100m, 200m, 400m, long jump, high jump, javelin, and relays 4x100m and 4x400m – including a new mixed 4x100m format. This is the first time this format appears in an official program, opening possibilities for new records. However, since it's not yet widely recognized, records may not count as official world records. From a tactical perspective, the lack of qualifying rounds fundamentally changes competition. Usually, athletes go through multiple rounds to adjust fitness and strategy. The Ultimate Championship eliminates that, focusing on a single effort. This favors those who excel in one shot but disadvantages those needing time to hit peak form. Mondo Duplantis, who holds the pole vault world record at 6.26m, is expected to be a focal point. He will not only compete but also perform the theme song he wrote. This strategic move aims to build his personal brand and attract younger audiences—a goal World Athletics pursues. Bolt did similarly with his song 'I Am Bolt' and business ventures. Not everyone is optimistic. Some argue World Athletics is in direct competition with other events like the Diamond League or Grand Slam Track, risking fragmentation of athlete resources. As both regulator and commercial organizer, World Athletics faces potential conflicts of interest. Bolt, while supportive, cautioned: 'I hope athletes aren't forced to join just for money. They need balance.' The event also raises questions about global athletics' future. Will new-format events like the Ultimate Championship replace traditional ones, or are they just short-term cash grabs? Coe believes this is the future model: 'Fans want distilled excellence, not days-long meets. We're adapting.' As of this writing, the official athlete list has not been released. However, with big names like Bolt (as honorary guest), Lyles, and Duplantis, the championship promises to be one of 2026's most notable sporting events. For athletics fans worldwide, it offers top-tier competition in a completely new format. For Vietnamese athletes, it serves as a reminder that professional sports still have many doors to open.