Usain Bolt named 'Ultimate Legend' by World Athletics to promote inaugural global championship

Spring legend Usain Bolt has been named as the 'Ultimate Legend' for next year's inaugural edition of the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest. The Ultimate Championship, scheduled to be held from 11-13 September 2026, will take the sport to another level like Bolt, who had an incredible sprinting career that saw him attain multiple milestones along with numerous world records. The Jamaican superstar has won an unprecedented 19 senior world titles and provided countless iconic moments on the track.


In his new role, Bolt - the eight-time Olympic gold medalist - will join hands with World Athletics for the promotion of the new global season-ending 'Ultimate Championship'. The high-stakes championship will determine the best-of-the-best of the planet after the world’s top-ranked track and field athletes compete to decide the ultimate champion. The championship has been designed to make sure that every season concludes with a major global event with real meaning for athletes and fans across the globe.


Bolt’s announcement as the Ultimate Legend came just a month after world pole vault record-holder Mondo Duplantis was named as the inaugural Ultimate Star. This is the first time Bolt has taken any role in the field of athletics as he uses his charismatic sporting status to stimulate next year's new event in front of the world.

"The idea behind the World Athletics Ultimate Championship is brilliant: the absolute best of the best facing off against each other - all the major global stars, big money, even bigger personalities, no excuses - to see who gets bragging rights as the Ultimate Champion. Let’s just say I would have loved to be competing in this box-office championship," said Bolt in a World Athletics statement.

"I’m honoured to take on the role of Ultimate Legend to help spread the word, as athletics remains a huge part of my life. I saw our sport go through many changes during my time on the track and it’s important that athletics continues to innovate. This new global championship will help to showcase and grow track and field and its incredible stars."


The format of the championship has been created in such a way that the global fans will get to see the best-of-the-best under one roof. World champions and Olympic champions will battle with Diamond League winners and the year’s top performing athletes during three intense sessions of action. Twenty-six athletes have already been qualified as reigning individual Olympic champions with more soon joining the list, as the champions of the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo will also get automatic qualification.

"The title of Ultimate Legend is fitting for one of the true icons of our sport," said World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, adding, "Usain transcends athletics. He continues to elevate the profile of the sport and inspire athletes around the globe, proving what is possible - on and off the field of play."


Bolt will be seen promoting the Ultimate Championship - with the one-year-to-go milestone for the inaugural event on Thursday - at the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Bolt, who will make a special appearance during September 13-21 championships, is set to attend select evening sessions at the Japan National Stadium.