Ultimate Championship Day 3 Recap / Jefferson-Wooden in 21.47 / Kerr in Control / Dos Santos Delivers / Broadcast Underperformances

Ultimate Championship Day 3 Recap / Jefferson-Wooden in 21.47 / Kerr in Control / Dos Santos Delivers / Broadcast Underperformances

Author: Professor Ross Tucker and Mike Finch September 14, 2026 Duration: 1:01:40

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Show notes


Our recap of the final night of the Ultimate Championship in Budapest:


  • (00:01:53) Jasmine Jones upsets the women's 400m hurdles field in 52.45, while the two who dominated the season may have slightly mistimed their peaks
  • (00:05:57) Alison dos Santos wins the 400m hurdles in 45.98, the third fastest ever run, and we look at what Rai Benjamin's year on the flat may buy him next year.
  • (00:13:10) A solo win for Likina Amebaw in the women's 5000m. She breaks away with a surge faster than world record pace after 2000m, but the broadcast fails to tell the story of her dominant performance
  • (00:25:43) Daniel Sedjati pounces to win a somewhat surprising 800m in 1:41.91. We talk about Marco Arop, who did what was best for him, but also the other main contenders, while Wanyonyi found the 2026 season a week too long
  • (00:32:13) The USA win the mixed 4x400m. We pick apart some of the fastest and slowest segments
  • (00:36:17) Josh Kerr wins the 1500m in 3:29.35 without leaving fourth gear (after being seeded 13th in a 12 man field)!
  • (00:40:41) Kenny Bednarek's 19.52s is the fifth fastest 200m in history, as he delivers what his 100m said he could
  • (00:43:45) Melissa Jefferson-Wooden runs 21.47s to win the women's 200m. It's the third fastest women's 200m ever, and we ask which old sprint record goes first?
  • (00:53:06) Josh Kerr would rather wear his sponsor's kit than his country's. We disagree, and discuss where the Ultimate Championships belong on the global calendar
  • (00:59:26) Our verdict on the first Ultimate Championship, and when it should be held



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Ever wondered what actually happens inside an athlete's body during a marathon, or whether the latest training trend is backed by evidence? The Real Science of Sport Podcast cuts through the noise with a unique blend of academic rigor and frontline reporting. Professor Ross Tucker, a world-renowned sports scientist, and veteran journalist Mike Finch form an engaging partnership, dissecting everything from athletics and rugby to soccer and cycling. Each episode feels like a deep, insightful conversation where complex research is translated into understandable takeaways, myths are debunked, and heated controversies are examined from all angles. You’ll hear them analyze the latest studies, extract practical lessons from professional athletes and coaches, and speak directly with leading global experts in exclusive interviews. This isn't just sports talk; it's a thoughtful exploration of the mechanisms, psychology, and culture behind performance and competition. For anyone with a curious mind and a passion for sport, this podcast offers a consistently fascinating look at the real stories behind the headlines and the physiology beneath the jersey.
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