Injuries, other plans leave some of track’s fastest on sideline for $150K at Ultimate Championship

The Ultimate Championship, billed as the fastest track meet featuring the world's best, is missing its top contenders this year. Olympic 100-meter champions Noah Lyles and Adaejah Hodge will both be absent due to injuries. Lyles has a leg injury that never fully healed, while Hodge was focused on her NCAA and Commonwealth Games schedules. Hodge's coach, Caryl Smith Gilbert, stressed the importance of rest for the upcoming years, including Worlds and the Olympics.

Other notable absences include Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who had a baby in July, and Olympic and world champion 5,000-meter runner Beatrice Chebet, who also had a baby in June. The championship, which offers a $150,000 top prize, aims to bring the best together, but injuries and other commitments prevent some of the world's fastest athletes from competing.

Tara Davis-Woodhall, the reigning Olympic and world champion long jumper, missed the event due to a concussion and personal reasons. Despite these setbacks, Hodge's coach remains optimistic about her future prospects.