Jamaican sprint star Bolt marvels at prize money on eve of inaugural Ultimate Championship

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — The Ultimate Championship, billed as the "Day Before" of a first-of-its-kind meet, brought a red-carpet entrance, a $10 million prize pool, and no medals to the track and field world. Nearly 400 athletes, including runners, throwers, and jumpers, competed for $10 million to be paid out to them, with each winner taking home $150,000.

The event featured a red-carpet entrance, a photo shoot, a "draft" for the 200-meter runners, and a surprise appearance by Usain Bolt. Though Bolt is a global celebrity and multimillionaire, he admitted that the prize money was still a significant incentive for athletes to participate. Organizers emphasized the unique atmosphere of the event, allowing athletes to engage in content creation and enjoying a more relaxed environment compared to the strict Olympic regulations.