Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo and World 400m champion Collen Kebinatshipi have secured qualification for the newly introduced World Athletics Ultimate Championship, set to feature a record-breaking prize pot of US$10 million, the largest ever offered in a single track and field event.
The inaugural event will take place in Budapest, Hungary, from September 11-13, 2026. Each champion will claim a top prize of US$150,000, with all athletes earning financial rewards for participation. The competition is designed to showcase only the top-ranked athletes, ensuring a fast-paced three-day meet featuring the “best of the best.”
Automatic qualifiers include 26 Olympic champions from Paris 2024, 26 World Champions from the recent World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, and 25 Diamond League winners from the 2026 season. Additional athletes will earn entry through the World Rankings qualification system based on their 2026 performance.
World Athletics has emphasized that the event will offer not only significant prize money but also enhanced promotional opportunities for athletes through new partnerships. This approach is expected to increase financial incentives and elevate the visibility of track and field globally.
Botswana Athletics Association acting president Oabona Theetso welcomed the new championship, describing it as a positive step for the sport. He highlighted the importance of high-level competitions in motivating athletes and providing platforms for excellence.
For Tebogo and Kebinatshipi, participation in Budapest represents an opportunity to compete among the world’s elite while gaining international exposure and financial rewards. The World Athletics Ultimate Championship aims to set new standards for track and field, combining elite performance with substantial incentives for the sport’s top performers.
