Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Kenny Bednarek, training partners from Central Florida, have earned new acclaim. They are now the World Ultimate champions in the 100m at the inaugural World Ultimate Championship in Budapest. Jefferson-Wooden continued her dominance in sprints, while Bednarek claimed his most significant individual race victory.
Jefferson-Wooden completed the 100m in 10.62 seconds, nearly matching her personal best. The race occurred in challenging conditions, including cooler weather and a slight headwind. She stated that her performance on Saturday was the finest of her life. “When I got to that start line today, I told myself that this is your moment and you need to stand in it,” she said.
So when that gun went off, I was like, you better execute like your life depends on it, and that’s what I did,
Former Olympian Julien Alfred finished as the runner-up with a time of 10.74, and Sha’Carri Richardson secured third place with 10.76. Jefferson-Wooden ranks as the fourth-fastest woman in history, following Florence Griffith Joyner, Elaine Thompson-Herah, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
Kenny Bednarek, known for his 200m success, achieved a surprise win by timing 9.85 seconds, beating Jamaican Oblique Seville. Bednarek’s progress in the 100m has been notable. “It’s more of a relief thing just because silver, silver, silver,” he said, emphasizing how this victory solidified his place in competitive sprinting.
Noah Lyles, the reigning 2024 Olympic champion, was absent due to injury but remains 2026’s fastest man with a timing of 9.79. Bednarek’s triumph in the 100m proved his capability beyond the 200m events. The Ultimate Championship, offering a $10 million prize pool, showcases the best athletes from around the globe. Winners get $150,000 each.
Noteworthy performances included Collen Kebinatshipi, who recorded a joint-fifth-fastest 400m run in history at 43.39 seconds, and Swiss athlete Audrey Werro, who triumphed in the women’s 800m with a time of 1:55.88. Marileidy Paulino from the Dominican Republic dominated the women’s 400m, maintaining her undefeated season with a time of 49.07.
Sandi Morris achieved a significant victory in her career, clearing 4.90 meters in the pole vault. Her win marked the most prestigious outdoor title of her long career. Jakob Ingebrigtsen overcame prior challenges to clinch the 5000m race at this championship.
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