Coe touts faster format, richer rewards after Ultimate debut

Sebastian Coe, the World Athletics president, feels the sport has spent too long putting off spectators and believes the new Ultimate Championship proves athletics can be faster to attract younger audiences. The three-day event ended in Budapest on Sunday evening, reinforcing Coe's view that athletics needs to speed up, as demonstrated by the compressed format.

Coe expressed frustration over long wait times between heats, stating that such delays do not engage younger audiences. The championship's condensed format, with graphics highlighting rankings and winning probabilities, aims to keep fans engaged. The event's record $10 million prize pot also generated significant attention, with winners receiving $150,000 each.

Athletes like Masai Russell and Jazmin Sawyers praised the substantial prize money, which could help them continue their careers. Coe emphasized that athletes competed in national team uniforms rather than commercial kits, a move he believes enhances fan engagement. The championship also attracted the attention of International Olympic Committee members and senior officials from other sports.

While the format remains a work in progress, Coe is open to modifications, such as including more events. He emphasized that the Ultimate Championship is intended to be the season's finale, not competing with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.