World Athletics Ultimate Championship Highlights

Jefferson-Wooden and Bednarek Shine in 100m

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Kenny Bednarek have achieved noteworthy success. Training together in Central Florida, they both claimed the title of World Ultimate champion in the 100m at the World Ultimate Championship held in Budapest.

Jefferson-Wooden clocked an impressive 10.62 seconds, closely matching her personal best from the 2025 World title. She described the race as her best 100m performance yet, despite slower conditions with cooler weather and a headwind.

“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 shared with NBC Sports’ Lewis Johnson. “So when that gun went off, I was like, you better execute like your life depends on it, and that’s what I did.”

Julien Alfred, the 2024 Olympic gold medalist, placed second with a time of 10.74, while Sha’Carri Richardson, the Olympic silver medalist, secured third in 10.76. Jefferson-Wooden continues to be a formidable force in sprinting.

Kenny Bednarek’s Milestone

Bednarek stunned the competition by winning his first major individual 100m race with a time of 9.85 seconds. He overcame Oblique Seville, the 2025 World champion, marking a significant achievement in his career.

Despite missing the presence of Noah Lyles due to injury, Bednarek seized the opportunity to prove his capabilities in the 100m division. Known for his prowess in the 200m, Bednarek expressed relief at his victory.

“It’s more of a relief thing just because silver, silver, silver (in the 200m) over the few years,” he told LetsRun.com. “To get a win over a good event like this, it definitely means a lot because it just proves that I’m capable of doing it and I belong here.”

Other Championship Highlights

The World Athletics Ultimate Championship continues with significant performances across various events.

• Collen Kebinatshipi of Botswana ran the fifth-fastest 400m in history with a time of 43.39 seconds.
• Audrey Werro capped her season by winning the women’s 800m in 1:55.88, beating Olympic gold medalist Keely Hodgkinson.
• Marileidy Paulino won the women’s 400m with a time of 49.07.
• Sandi Morris captured the women’s pole vault title by clearing 4.90 meters.
• Jakob Ingebrigtsen emerged victorious in the men’s 5000m.

The Championship, featuring top-ranked athletes, offers lucrative rewards. Event winners receive $150,000, part of a $10 million prize pool.