Mondo Duplantis Targets Historic Achievement That Even Usain Bolt Never Claimed in 2026

Mondo Duplantis believes 2026 offers a chance to earn a unique honour that even Usain Bolt never achieved.

Mondo Duplantis has explained why he is excited about the World Athletics Ultimate Championship scheduled for September 11-13, 2026, in Budapest, Hungary.

The three-day event will feature a ‘no heats, no second chances’ format, pitting the world's best athletes directly against each other for the title of Ultimate Champion.

The pole vault world champion is looking forward to achieving an accolade that even Usain Bolt has yet to achieve, competing and claiming top honours at the event, perhaps doing that in front of the retired sprinters.

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Usain Bolt has been named the sport's first ‘Ultimate Legend,’ symbolically passing the baton to a new generation poised to redefine greatness.

Mondo Duplantis on Looking Forward to the Ultimate Athletics Championships

Mondo Duplantis was announced as the first ‘Ultimate Star’ and wants to live up to that name with an impressive showcase.

"I’m super excited about it," Mondo Duplantis said in an interview with World Athletics. "It’s bold, action-packed, and honestly, it’s a much-needed step for athletics. I believe in the product because it gives us a chance to present our sport in a new, exciting way."

For the Swedish sensation, who already boasts a collection of Olympic and world titles, Budapest offers a unique opportunity to etch his name into a new chapter of history.

"If I win, I’ll have something that even Usain won’t have," Duplantis noted with a smile. "It’s going to be the pinnacle of our season. Every athlete will go into it with pride."

Usain Bolt: This Will Be a Big Deal

For Usain Bolt, a name synonymous with athletic excellence, this innovation is a welcome and necessary evolution.

"Every other sport has been developing and changing over the years," Usain Bolt remarked. "To see track and field moving in that direction and trying something different, it’s wonderful. This will be a big deal; a title people will respect for years to come."

The championship aims to captivate a global audience with its condensed format, clear narratives, and high stakes.

As Usain Bolt explained, "It’s about bringing the best of the best together, making it easier to watch, more exciting, and showing the world what we really have."

Christian Taylor: I Am Jealous

Retired multiple Olympic and world triple jump champion Christian Taylor shares the enthusiasm for the new event.

"As a former athlete, I’m jealous," he admitted. "For entertainment, fan engagement, this is fantastic. We can’t keep doing the same things. We have to try, and this is a great effort. It’s going to be a historic show."

Christian Taylor also highlighted the benefits for competitors, noting that the structure provides a dramatic climax to the season.

"It gives athletes something to be excited for," he said. "To peak for that moment. Financially, it’s huge too. But more than that, the title of Ultimate Champion, that’s powerful."

Among the athletes already qualified for Budapest is Dominica's Thea LaFond, the reigning Olympic triple jump champion. She sees the Ultimate Championship as a way to foster a deeper connection with fans.

"I think it’s the accessibility," she explained. "It allows fans to connect with us more easily, to see us as people with families, with stories. And I love the one-and-done format. It’s pressure, but it’s fun."

Thea LaFond also praised the event's financial model, calling it "priceless." She added, "Knowing that you’ll give your all and be guaranteed your reward, it changes everything."

The gathering of legends and current stars in Tokyo sent a clear message that track and field is embracing renewal. With icons like Usain Bolt, Mondo Duplantis, and LaFond united behind the concept, the sport is signalling that its evolution is far from over.