Photo via Athletics Weekly

Format flaws, Nairobi and the fairness question — Ultimate Championship raises big issues

The debut World Athletics Ultimate Championship concluded in Budapest with lucrative purses and competition surpassing Brussels, even as its structure prompted scrutiny over the exclusion of events like the shot put, steeplechase, discus, women's hammer, and men's triple jump. 00 in the 5000m now push athletes toward ranking-based advancement.

Despite the structural debates, Josh Kerr capped an extraordinary 2026 campaign by claiming the Ultimate Championship title. 66 mile world record, a Commonwealth gold, and a world indoor championship, suffering setbacks only over 800m and an indoor two-mile race.