Usain Bolt is officially back in athletics, this time in a landmark role with World Athletics as the sport prepares for a historic new event. The eight-time Olympic champion has been named the ‘Ultimate Legend’ of the first-ever World Athletics Ultimate Championship, set to take place in Budapest from September 11 to 13, 2026.
The championship is a bold new concept designed as the ultimate season finale for track and field. It will bring together the very best athletes in the world – Olympic gold medalists, world champions, and Diamond League winners – for an explosive head-to-head showdown to decide who truly deserves the title of “Ultimate Champion.”
In his ambassadorial role, Bolt will promote the event globally, lending his unmatched charisma and iconic status to build excitement around the inaugural edition. Speaking about the role, he described the competition as the perfect innovation the sport needs, with the absolute best battling it out for nothing but glory and bragging rights.
The Budapest event promises three days of high-intensity action at the state-of-the-art National Athletics Centre. Already, 26 athletes have booked their place through their Olympic victories, while more will qualify during the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Bolt is expected to be present in Tokyo as part of his new duties, adding extra star power to the build-up.
This appointment marks Bolt’s first official collaboration with World Athletics since he retired in 2017. His involvement adds prestige to a championship that already boasts pole vault sensation Mondo Duplantis as one of the first confirmed stars.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe hailed the move, noting that Bolt’s influence goes beyond athletics, making him the perfect figure to represent the new era of the sport. Hungarian sports officials have also expressed excitement, confident that Bolt’s presence will inspire young athletes worldwide and help Budapest deliver another successful athletics showcase.
With its innovative format, world-class competitors, and Bolt as the face of the event, the Ultimate Championship is set to become a must-watch spectacle, redefining how track and field closes its season.
