Jefferson-Wooden, Bednarek complete Ultimate Championship sprint doubles

Paris Olympian Haruka Kitaguchi claimed victory at the inaugural Ultimate Championship in Budapest on Saturday, setting a new Japanese record in the women's javelin event. The competition, which boasts a record-breaking $10 million prize fund, attracted top athletes from around the globe. Kitaguchi achieved a throw of 68.92 meters, surpassing her own 2023 record by 1.54 meters and tying her with China's 18-year-old rising star Yan Ziyi for 10th place on the women's all-time list.

Kitaguchi began the competition with a throw of 61.15 meters, trailing behind others in the first round but ultimately securing her win with a second attempt, outpacing Yan Ziyi and claiming the top prize of $150,000. In other events, Kenny Bednarek of the United States won the men's 100 meters with a time of 9.85 seconds, while Melissa Jefferson-Wooden of the United States claimed the women's title in 10.62 seconds.