Alison dos Santos wins 2026 World Athletics Ultimate Championship

Having set a world record less than 20 days ago and remaining undefeated this season, Brazilian Alison dos Santos secured another victory in the 400m hurdles. This Sunday (Sep. 13), Alison, also known as Piu, was the fastest among the world’s best athletes competing in the first edition of the Ultimate World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary.

Piu crossed the finish line in 45.98 seconds, beating his main rivals, American Rai Benjamin (46.40) and Norwegian Karsten Warholm (46.78). Another Brazilian competitor, Matheus Lima, finished seventh (48.67).

Notícias relacionadas:

• Alison dos Santos wins Diamond League title for 3rd time.
• Alison dos Santos breaks 400m hurdles world record.

“I ran fast, had great results, and wanted to end the season on a high note. The atmosphere was great here in Budapest. I loved the energy from the fans; it was incredible… Now it’s time to celebrate!” said Piu, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024).

This was the first time this year that Piu competed against Rai Benjamin, the Paris 2024 Olympic champion in the 400m hurdles – an event in which Piu bagged the bronze medal. Since the games, the American has been focusing more on the 400 m dash.

The World Athletics Ultimate Championship will be held every two years, bringing together elite athletes – among them Olympic and world champions, Diamond League winners, and the top-ranked athletes.

Piu was named the “New King of the 400m Hurdles” by World Athletics after setting a new world record in the event (45.80s) on August 27. He also dominated the track at this year’s Troféu Brasil, breaking the competition’s meet record (46.48s).