Usain Bolt Returns to Athletics in First Major Role With World Athletics Ahead of Ultimate Championships

Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt has been unveiled as the official ‘Ultimate Legend’ for the upcoming World Athletics Ultimate Championship, set to debut in Budapest from September 11 to 13, 2026.

The new end-of-season global event is designed to bring together the very best in track and field, with Olympic champions, world champions, and Diamond League winners battling head-to-head to determine the true Ultimate Champion.

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In his role, the eight-time Olympic champion will work alongside World Athletics to promote the championship worldwide, using his status as one of the sport’s most iconic figures to build excitement for the inaugural edition.

“The idea behind the Ultimate Championship is brilliant, the absolute best of the best facing off, no excuses, just bragging rights,” Usain Bolt said as per a statement released by World Athletics.

“I’m honoured to take on the role of Ultimate Legend and help spread the word. Athletics has always been a huge part of my life, and this new championship is exactly the kind of innovation our sport needs.”

This marks Usain Bolt’s first official ambassadorial role with World Athletics since retiring, adding to the prestige of an event that already features Mondo Duplantis as the first announced Ultimate Star.

The Budapest showdown promises three sessions of high-intensity action at the National Athletics Centre, with 26 athletes already qualified through their Olympic triumphs.

More stars will secure their spots at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, where Usain Bolt himself will be present as part of his new role.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe hailed the move, calling Usain Bolt’s appointment fitting: “Usain transcends athletics. He continues to elevate the profile of the sport and inspire athletes around the globe. The title of Ultimate Legend could not be more appropriate.”

Hungary’s Secretary of State for Sports, Dr. Ádám Schmidt, said Usain Bolt’s involvement will be a major inspiration: “Usain Bolt is a special figure of the athletics family who can inspire young people all over the world. With his help, I am confident the Ultimate Championship will be just as successful as the 2023 World Championships in Budapest.”

The World Athletics Ultimate Championship aims to cement itself as the season finale for track and field, giving athletes, fans, and broadcasters a blockbuster event to close the year – and with Bolt on board, its profile is already soaring.