Gianmarco Tamberi claimed victory in the high jump at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, clearing 2.37 metres to secure the world-leading mark of the 2026 season.
Victory in Budapest
The Italy-based athlete dominated the final on the concluding day of the inaugural event, held from 11 to 13 September at the Centro Nazionale di Atletica Leggera in the Hungarian capital. Tamberi, competing at 34 years old, needed two attempts to clear the winning height.
After securing the title, he attempted to raise the bar to 2.41 metres to improve his own Italian record of 2.39, but failed on all three tries at that height.
Silver for Harrison
American JuVaughn Harrison, who had matched his personal best of 2.36 metres at the same venue during the 2023 World Championships, took silver. His competition ended at 2.30 metres after three failed attempts at 2.39.
The rivalry between the two athletes dates back to Budapest 2023, when both stood on the podium with Tamberi taking gold and Harrison silver.
Celebration and return to form
Following his win, the athlete nicknamed Gimbo ran to the stands to kiss his wife and celebrate with spectators, at one point drinking a beer mug among applauding fans.
The performance marked a significant return for Tamberi, who had opened his 2026 season only in July due to injuries. It was his best jump in over two years, coming shortly after his fourth European title in August. He had received an exceptional invitation to compete at the Ultimate Championship.
About the event
World Athletics organised the Ultimate Championship as a new biennial competition with $10 million in prize money. The event brought together Olympic and world champions in direct finals, with no preliminary rounds.
The championship concluded on Saturday, 13 September 2026.
