Ultimate Championship Athletics

It took about 100 years and a lot of behind-the-scenes maneuvering but finally it’s happening: a track meet with grand prizes worth six figures. While the $150,000 first prizes being offered at this week’s Ultimate Championship in Hungary might not sound like much compared to tennis, golf and dozens of other more lucrative sports, it’s a game-changer in this one. Among those going for the 150K when the meet starts Friday will be sprinters Sha'Carri Richardson, Gabby Thomas and pole vaulting's Mondo Duplantis. They're part of a best-of-the-best lineup for 28 events over three nights. This is the inaugural edition of a new event that World Athletics plans to hold every two years.