World Athletics has announced significant innovations for its inaugural Ultimate Championship, set to take place in Budapest from September 11 to 13. Among the new features, sprinters will be able to select their own lanes, while jump-offs will be used to determine winners in the high jump and pole vault events.
These changes are part of a broader initiative led by World Athletics President Sebastian Coe aimed at attracting younger audiences and transforming athletics into a more entertainment-focused sport. Notably, the men’s and women’s 200 metres will introduce a “lane draft,” allowing athletes to choose their preferred semi-final heat and line up live in front of media and fans the day before the competition. The selection order will be based on athletes’ world rankings.
In a significant development for vertical jumps, the Ultimate Championship will ensure clear winners by eliminating first-place ties. Any deadlock in the high jump or pole vault will be resolved through jump-offs. Additionally, field events will be streamlined: all athletes, except those in vertical jumps, will have two attempts before the field is progressively reduced from eight to six and then four competitors, keeping the focus on the top performers.
Broadcasts of the event will be enhanced with augmented graphics, including projected finishing positions and win probabilities, providing viewers with deeper insights. Athlete introductions and other presentation elements have been developed in collaboration with Olympic champion Noah Lyles, while pole vault world record-holder Mondo Duplantis has composed the event’s anthem.
The competition will also feature a distinctive visual design, with a black infield intended to highlight the ongoing event and create a striking atmosphere for spectators and viewers alike.
