World Ultimate Championship Highlights

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Kenny Bednarek have both emerged victorious in the 100m at the World Ultimate Championship held in Budapest. Sharing a training group for three years, they now also share the title of World Ultimate champions.

Jefferson-Wooden’s Triumph

Jefferson-Wooden secured her win by clocking 10.62 seconds, a mere hundredth off her personal best from the 2025 World title. She described the race as the best 100m of her life, despite facing slower conditions. Cooler weather and a headwind of .2 meters per second replaced the tailwind she experienced at the 2025 Worlds.

“When I got to that start line today, I told myself that this is your moment and you need to stand in it.” – Jefferson-Wooden

Julien Alfred from Saint Lucia, the 2024 Olympic gold medalist, finished second at 10.74. Sha’Carri Richardson, a silver medalist in the 2024 Olympics, was third at 10.76.

Jefferson-Wooden, who has faced only one defeat in the 100m since the Paris Games, is ranked as the fourth-fastest woman in history, trailing only Florence Griffith Joyner, Elaine Thompson-Herah, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

Bednarek Seizes Victory

Bednarek, renowned for his 200m achievements, clocked 9.85 seconds to beat 2025 World champion Oblique Seville of Jamaica by five hundredths. Despite the absence of 2024 Olympic 100m gold medalist Noah Lyles, Bednarek shone brightly.

“It’s more of a relief thing just because silver, silver, silver (in the 200m) over the few years.” – Bednarek

Bednarek’s progression in the 100m was notable, with significant improvement since the 2024 Olympics. This victory cements his capability and belonging in high-stakes competitions.

The Ultimate Championship Overview

The World Ultimate Championship, aiming to be biennial, attracts top athletes with no limits on participants per country. Winners receive $150,000 from a prize pool of $10 million, making it the richest event in the sport’s history.

In other events, Collen Kebinatshipi of Botswana achieved the joint-fifth-fastest 400m in history with a time of 43.39 seconds. Audrey Werro from Switzerland triumphed in the women’s 800m, clocking 1:55.88.

American Marileidy Paulino won the women’s 400m, maintaining her undefeated streak. Meanwhile, Sandi Morris clinched her most significant outdoor pole vault title by clearing 4.90 meters.

Finally, Jakob Ingebrigtsen made a notable comeback by winning the 5000m after enduring two years of challenges.