Jamaican and global sprint legend Usain Bolt will again be among the main pulls for a major athletics championship after being announced as the ‘Ultimate Legend’, as excitement continues to build ahead of the first edition of the World Athletics Ultimate Championship set for Budapest in September.
World Athletics announced the Legendary track icon’s inclusion in the championship via a press release on Monday.
“The Ultimate Championship – to be held for the first time from 11-13 September 2026 – will help to take the sport to another level, as Bolt did in the sprints during an incredible career that saw him break multiple world records, claim 19 senior global titles and provide countless iconic moments on the track. “
Speaking on the specifics of Bolt’s new role, the release said, “In his role as the one and only Ultimate Legend, Bolt will collaborate with World Athletics in the promotion of the new global season-ending championship that will see the world’s top-ranked track and field athletes compete head-to-head to decide who is truly the best on the planet.”
The statement also confirmed that he appointment marks Bolt’s first time stepping into “such an athletics role, as he uses his passion for and status within the sport to promote the new event to the world.”
“The idea behind the World Athletics Ultimate Championship is brilliant: the absolute best of the best facing off against each other – all the major global stars, big money, even bigger personalities, no excuses – to see who gets bragging rights as the Ultimate Champion. Let’s just say I would have loved to be competing in this box-office championship,” said Bolt.
“I’m honoured to take on the role of Ultimate Legend to help spread the word, as athletics remains a huge part of my life. I saw our sport go through many changes during my time on the track and it’s important that athletics continues to innovate. This new global championship will help to showcase and grow track and field and its incredible stars.”
World champions and Olympic champions will clash with Wanda Diamond League winners and the year’s best performing athletes during three intense sessions of action at the National Athletics Centre.
Twenty-six athletes have already automatically qualified as reigning individual Olympic champions and more will soon join the list, as winners at the upcoming World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 – which will be attended by Bolt – will also secure automatic qualification.
