Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Germany’s Merlin Hummel achieved a surprise victory in the men’s hammer throw at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship Budapest 26, defeating multiple-time global champion Ethan Katzberg and world leader Bence Halász. Hummel opened with a throw of 81.46m, which ultimately secured first place.
European champion Halász, representing Hungary, started the event with a throw of 80.30m, placing him second. World and Olympic champion Katzberg failed to register a valid throw. Katzberg’s first effort passed the 80-metre mark but was outside the legal sector; his second attempt was also invalid, resulting in no progression past the second round.
Olympic bronze medallist Mykhaylo Kokhan was positioned third at the halfway point, holding with a mark of 78.90m in the third round. As the event moved into the final four throws, no athlete improved on their earlier performances. Hummel remained the leader, successfully avenging his recent European Championship loss to Halász.
Hummel commented on the new competition format: “We had some new rules that we had to adapt to, but I did my best and I made it. I’m happy to be the ultimate champion.”
The contest highlighted the impact of the Ultimate Championship format, allowing only the top six athletes to proceed beyond the second round and influencing final placements.