Bolt marvels at 'huge' prize money ahead of inaugural Ultimate Championship

Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt expressed astonishment at the prize money of up to $150,000 for each individual event win at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest. In an exclusive interview with World Athletics' official website, Bolt said: 'If I were still competing, I would be first in line to sign up. This money is truly a game-changer for track and field athletes.' The championship is touted as a commercial 'super-event' with the largest prize fund in athletics history. According to World Athletics, each individual champion will receive $150,000, while the winning mixed 4x100m relay team will share $80,000. A sprinter winning both the 100m and 200m individual events plus the relay could pocket up to $320,000 – an unprecedented figure in World Athletics-sanctioned events. Bolt, the world record holder in the 100m and 200m, compared this to his prime: 'When I competed, we didn't have events like this. Athletes today are very fortunate.' However, Bolt was not the only voice. Fellow Jamaican and former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell told Jamaican media that World Athletics launching an event with such high prize money shows 'athletes have been underpaid for decades.' The Ultimate Championship features a completely new format. Each event will see only 16 of the world's best athletes compete directly in a final without qualifying rounds. The streamlined schedule is designed to eliminate downtime, promising a spectacle suitable for prime-time television. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe called it 'an incubator for change' and stated the event was 'created with and by the fans, with and by the athletes.' Nevertheless, experts have raised questions. Is a new event in 2026 – traditionally an off-year between the Olympics and World Championships – truly necessary? Will top stars like Noah Lyles (USA) or Mondo Duplantis (Sweden) give full effort for a commercial event right after a grueling international season? In particular, the 'no-heats' format has analysts concerned about genuine competitiveness. Some argue the event is more about entertainment than pure athletic merit. However, its appeal is undeniable. With prize money double that of a World Championships gold medal, athletes will certainly see it as a key target in their training calendars. Noah Lyles, who has confirmed his participation, said he is 'excited for the opportunity to earn prize money commensurate with the effort we put in.' Former Olympic 100m hurdles champion Dawn Harper-Nelson, now a commentator for NBC Sports, remarked: 'This is a turning point. For years, female athletes suffered from lower prize money than men and lacked a true professional stage. If successful, the Ultimate Championship will usher in a new era.' Behind the scenes, Mondo Duplantis is not only the world's best pole vaulter but also a musician. He composed and performed the event's theme song 'Gold' – a move reflecting how top athletes are increasingly expanding their personal brands. The inaugural event takes place in Budapest at the end of September 2026. With 16 athletes per event, only 96 slots are available for the main track and field events. This means competition for entry will be fierce, with world ranking or invitation likely deciding who gets a spot. Will the Ultimate Championship become the 'Wimbledon of track and field' as World Athletics hopes, or just a commercial gamble? The answer will come when the first footsteps sound on the Budapest track.