Levell looks to cash in - Sprinter eyes big-earning Ultimate Championship

Forget that 2026 is devoid the glitter of an Olympics, or even the World Championships.

World Athletics’ (WA) Ultimate Championship is providing plenty of glamour, and bucket loads of cash for premier track and field competitors.

With personal bests of 9.82 seconds for the 100 metres, and the sprint-rarity of 19.64 seconds at 200m, World Championships bronze medallist Bryan Levell is looking to cash-in on WA’s US$10 million (approximately J$1.6 billion) mega event slated for September 11-13 in Budapest, Hungary.

Track and field’s season-closer, the first-time showcase features 28 disciplines, topped by sprints, relays, middle and long-distance races, throws and jumps.

Reigning Olympic champions for the respective disciplines have received their invitations from WA for automatic qualifying spots.

WA Championship gold medallists and Diamond League winners are also fitted into that sure-to-compete bracket. Spaces are also open to the season’s top-ranked athletes at a meet where some events will be run as finals only, and other with two rounds, a semi, then final.

All competitors will earn money.

PRIZE MONEY:

Individual:- 1st $150,000, 2nd $75,000, 3rd $40,000, 4th $25,000, 5th $16,000, 6th, $14,000, 7th $12,000, 8th $10,000, 11th $7,000, 12th $6,000, 13th $5000, 14th $4000, 15th $3,000, 16th $2,000.

Relays: - 1st $80,000, 2nd $40,000, 3rd $24,000, 4th $20,000, 5th $16,000, 6th $14,000, 7th $10,000, 8th $8,000.  

Levell’s face – in an interview, discussing the gains of a second Olympic Solidarity Scholarship at the recent Jamaica Olympic Association presentation at The Courtleigh Hotel – lit up at the prospect of competing at the Budapest season-closer.

“Coach (Shanikie Osbourne) and I will discuss that, and if I'll be on the circuit, you will see me there,” he shared in specific reference to participating at the National Championships, adding, “and at the Ultimate Championships, if I qualify”.

Asked if the latter would be a feather in his cap, the first-ever Edwin Allen High School 100m boys’ winner at Champs was unequivocal.

“Definitely. It's a first-time event, and two runs across three days, so it should be interesting,” he said. 

“It helps you prepare for next year as well. And it's hard because it's a top 16-ranked athlete event, so, you know, you have to be at your best and put out your best when you're there.” 

EVENTS:

100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, high hurdles, 400m hurdles, pole vault, long jump, high jump, javelin, women’s triple jump, men’s hammer throw, mixed 4x100m and mixed 4x400m.

He has reported being injured and will not participate in the National Trials, but his performances prior include bests of 6.47 over 60m, 9.90 over 100m, 19.69 over his pet half-lap sprint, as well as 47.90 as he tested his range and stamina over 400m.

“Preparation so far is okay. I’m just taking it step by step,” remarked Levell.

In track history, only 14 men have clocked 19.64 seconds or lower.

Among Jamaicans, only world record holder Usain Bolt, 19.19, and Yohan Blake, 19.26 have gone faster, both doing so on multiple occasions.

Without the pressure of an Olympics or World Champs, running faster has become a target for Levell this season.

“Honestly, it's really a fun season. The objectives are just really having fun and getting better execution-wise in both my events (100m, 200m) and enjoying the events,” he shared.

“All athletes would always want to PB (personal best). So, of course, I would like to get a personal best this season.”

That, and the Ultimate Championship, is paving a path.

“It sets me up really good, knowing that next year is the World Championship year again. It's a championship year, and, you know, everybody is going to be at their best and coming to get a gold medal,” observed Levell. 

“So I want to put myself in that position to earn a gold medal as well. I have to do what is necessary.”