Alison dos Santos captured the men’s 400-meter hurdles title at the Ultimate Athletics World Championship 2026 in Budapest, Hungary, on Sunday, September 13, securing his ninth victory of the season and extending his undefeated streak in the discipline, according to coverage from Globo Esporte and Folha de S.Paulo.
Budapest Showdown and Winning Time
dos Santos crossed the finish line in 45 seconds and 98 hundredths (45.98). While the mark did not eclipse his world record of 45.80, it proved more than enough to hold off a loaded field of international contenders.
American hurdler Rai Benjamin took second place with a time of 46.40, while Norway’s Karsten Warholm finished third in 46.78. A second Brazilian finalist, Matheus Lima from Ceará, completed the race in seventh position with a time of 48.67.
Tactical Significance of the Ultimate Championship
The Ultimate Athletics World Championship represents a newly established format introduced by World Athletics, designed to bring together the global elite in a condensed, direct-elimination style competition every two years. The roster features reigning Olympic champions, world titleholders, Diamond League winners, and top-ranked season performers competing across 28 events over three days.
Sunday’s final marked the first head-to-head meeting between dos Santos and Benjamin during the 2026 calendar. Benjamin has spent significant portions of the season focusing on the flat 400-meter events, making the Budapest clash a highly anticipated tactical test for both athletes.
A Stellar 2026 Campaign for Piu
Known widely by his nickname “Piu,” the athlete from São Joaquim da Barra, São Paulo, continues a dominant stretch that includes two Olympic bronze medals from Tokyo and Paris. His 2026 resume also features an undefeated run through the Diamond League circuit—including a victory at the Silesia meeting in Poland with a then-season-leading 46.43—alongside a national title and record at the Troféu Brasil de Atletismo in late July.
Next Stop on the Calendar
Following their efforts in Hungary, dos Santos and teammate Matheus Lima shift their focus to international travel and regional competition. Both athletes depart directly for the South American Games in Santa Fé, Argentina, where they will represent Brazil.
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