Usain Bolt lands World Athletics ambassadorial role
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 11.09.25. | 22:00
This marks the first time Bolt has taken on an official athletics role since his retirement
Jamaican sprint icon Usain Bolt has been unveiled as the “Ultimate Legend” by World Athletics. This landmark ambassadorial role will see him spearhead the promotion of the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest in 2026.
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The three-day event, set for Thursday, 11 to Saturday, 13 September 2026 at the National Athletics Centre, promises to revolutionise the sport by pitting the world’s top-ranked athletes head-to-head in a season-ending showdown.
Olympic champions, world champions, Wanda Diamond League winners, and standout performers from the year will clash for the title of Ultimate Champion.
Bolt, whose electrifying career produced multiple world records, including 19 senior global titles, and unforgettable moments, this role will be both an honour and a chance to give back to the sport that made him a household name.
“The idea behind the World Athletics Ultimate Championship is brilliant: the absolute best of the best facing off, all the major global stars, big money, even bigger personalities, no excuses, to see who gets bragging rights as the Ultimate Champion,” Bolt said.
“I’m honoured to take on the role of Ultimate Legend to help spread the word, as athletics remains a huge part of my life. This new global championship will help to showcase and grow track and field and its incredible stars,” he continued.
This marks the first time Bolt has taken on an official athletics role since his retirement. His appointment follows that of Swedish pole vault superstar and world record-holder Mondo Duplantis, who was named the first “Ultimate Star” last month.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe hailed the announcement, calling Bolt a figure who transcends the sport.
“Usain continues to elevate the profile of athletics and inspire athletes around the globe. As we look forward to discovering new stars, it’s important to also recognise the trailblazers who captured the imaginations of generations of fans,” Coe said.
Hungary’s Secretary of State for Sports, Dr. Ádám Schmidt, expressed excitement at welcoming Bolt and the world’s best athletes to Budapest, saying his presence would inspire young people and boost participation in sport.
Bolt, who stunned the world with his double sprint gold in Beijing 2008 and set an enduring 100m world record of 9.58 seconds in Berlin a year later, will be in Tokyo from Saturday, 13 to Sunday, 21 September to promote the Ultimate Championship during the World Athletics Championships.
He will attend select evening sessions and appear at a special event to mark the one-year countdown to Budapest 2026.
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