The 2024 track and field season has been nothing short of exciting. We marveled over the grandeur of the Paris Olympics, with several moments leaving us stunned. However, just when we felt a track and field void build up, the Diamond League kept that excitement going. Since then, the season has been slowly winding down. Yet, the excitement surrounding the thrilling sport is far from done. What are we referring to?

One of the most anticipated events this year, Athlos NYC, had fans glued to their screens. Yes, this is the same women-only event that boasted an exciting cash prize for the athletes. However, this isn’t the only event that many were thrilled about. Michael Johnson unveiled another track and field league set to take place in 2025, boasting a significant event. However, World Athletics has triumphantly snatched that crown with an exciting update. What could it be?

World Athletics has surpassed Michael Johnson’s promise

Leading up to the Paris Olympics, WA teased a possible event boasting a cash prize pot of around $10 million. While many weren’t too sure about what to expect, they’ve finally dropped a massive update. On November 22, the official X account shared a few images breaking down the World Athletics Ultimate Championship. Here’s what we know so far! The three-day event will take place in 2026 in Budapest between September 11 to 13.

Taking place every two years, each day would be chock-a-block with 3×3 hour sessions. While each session would be packed with semi-finals and finals for track disciplines, field disciplines will go straight to the finals. The World Athletics Ultimate Championship will boast a stacked lineup of 360 athletes from all across the world, with 28 events along with a new mixed 4x100m event. But here’s where things get exciting! Each gold medal winner would receive a whopping $150,000, boasting a prize pot of $10 million, making this the largest ever offered in the history of track & field athletics.

Why is this exciting? Michael Johnson wanted to revolutionize the track and field landscape. So, to push the athletes to the forefront, he announced the Grand Slam Track. Up until now, GST was set to be the highest-paying track league with a $12.6 million prize pool. In fact, every athlete would be eligible for prizes based on their finishes. Eighth place would receive $10,000, while the winner could walk away with a staggering $100,000 from the league. 

The World Athletics was under heavy fire due to not paying their athletes more previously. However, their $10 million prize pot sets a new benchmark for financial rewards in the sport. Apart from the $150,000 (which is $50,000 more than what GST will offer), every athlete competing will walk away with a significant financial reward. What about the World Championships then? Don’t worry. The World Athletics Ultimate Championship will not replace the event. The next edition will take place shortly after the LA Olympics to close out the season. So, how does Noah Lyles come into the picture?

Noah Lyles points out one grave error in the sport

The 27-year-old stunned the crowds with his stellar performance in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Even though the 200m event was his ‘baby,’ the sprinter shut naysayers down by bagging his maiden Olympic gold medal. But it doesn’t just stop at the medals for him. The Olympian has been trying to revolutionize the sport in his own way. However, despite his efforts, one of the many things he couldn’t do much about was the financial issue in the sport. 

In fact, this error has a lingering effect on the athletes. Before contesting in the NYC Grand Prix 2024, Noah Lyles drew attention to how there is a severe lack of retirement and the subsequent fund facility in the sport. “I know it is very hard for us to be able to save for retirement when we don’t have a 401K,” he confessed. He reiterated that he felt utterly helpless in the unfortunate situation. However, the Championship might shake things up. 

Recently, the 27-year-old was challenged to an interesting duel by none other than YouTuber MrBeast. What was the preposition, you ask? Whoever could beat the Olympic 100m champion in a race could walk away with a $100,000 cash prize. So, who stood on the other end of this challenge? It was none other than IShowSpeed. Even though the content creator initially hesitated, he finally rolled up in a custom Real Madrid kit, ready to snatch the Fastest Man Alive title.

While the race wasn’t as exciting as the 100m event at Stade de France, it was just as intense. Speed was quick off the blocks, leading the race in the early stages. While many thought he would pull off an upset win, in true Noah Lyles style, the Olympian came up from the back, surging past the finish line before him. The World Athletics Ultimate Championship might still be two years away, but it would be interesting to see how things pan out. Will you be watching?