Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Jefferson-Wooden and Bednarek Win Historic Ultimate Championship Doubles
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Kenny Bednarek won two sprint races each in Budapest.
They both won the 100-meter and 200-meter races.
Jefferson-Wooden ran the 200 meters in 21.47 seconds, which is the third-fastest time ever by a woman.
Bednarek won his 200-meter race in 19.52 seconds.
Each athlete received $300,000 for winning both events.
The new championship lasted three days and attracted more than 20,000 fans each evening.
The stadium had music, fireworks, and a lively party-like atmosphere.
World Athletics may consider using some ideas from the event in future competitions.
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Kenny Bednarek each won the 100m and 200m titles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship.
Jefferson-Wooden won the women’s 200m in 21.47 seconds, the third-fastest time ever recorded by a woman.
Bednarek captured the men’s 200m in 19.52 seconds, beating Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo.
Both American sprinters earned $300,000 prizes for their double victories.
The three-day Budapest event drew sellout crowds, while World Athletics president Sebastian Coe suggested its elements could influence future major championships.
- Who
- American sprinters Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Kenny Bednarek were the leading winners.
- What
- Both won double gold in the 100m and 200m races and received $300,000 each.
- When
- The 200m finals and closing events took place on Sunday, during the inaugural three-day championship.
- Where
- The World Athletics Ultimate Championship was held at the Gyula Zsivótzky National Athletics Centre in Budapest, Hungary.
- Why
- They won their respective sprint finals, earning the event’s jackpot prizes and setting a major performance milestone for Jefferson-Wooden.
- Event
- Inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship
- Location
- Budapest, Hungary
- Jefferson-Wooden’s 200m time
- 21.47 seconds
- Bednarek’s 200m time
- 19.52 seconds
- Prize per double champion
- $300,000
- Women’s 200m runner-up
- Gabby Thomas, 21.77 seconds
- Men’s high jump winner
- Gianmarco Tamberi, 2.37 metres