Jefferson-Wooden, Bednarek complete Ultimate Championship sprint doubles
American sprinters Kenneth Bednarek and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden won both the 100m and 200m events at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest. The athletes each earned $150,000 in prize money for their performances.
Why it matters
This event marks a significant shift in professional track and field, offering high-stakes financial incentives to elite athletes outside of the traditional Olympic cycle.
The Americans won both the 100m and 200m at the Ultimate Championship that saw elite athletes win $150,000 each.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info USA's Melissa Jefferson-Wooden celebrates with the trophy after winning the women's 200m final at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest on September 13, 2026 [Ben Stansall/AFP] (AFP) By Anushe Engineer Published On 13 Sep 2026 13 Sep 2026 Americans Kenneth Bednarek and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden have claimed the sprint double to close off an action-packed weekend in Budapest that saw elite track and field athletes crowned inaugural Ultimate Champions and pocket $150,000 in prize money.
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