He almost didn’t make it to the final. But that is what great athletics stories are made of. Then came a photo finish, where Ja’Kobe Tharp clawed his way to victory and captured the Ultimate Championship.
After scraping through the semifinals as the sixth-fastest qualifier, the world record-holder produced a stunning rebound to win the men’s 110m hurdles final at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship Budapest 26.
It initially appeared that Cordell Tinch had clinched the title. Tinch began celebrating after crossing the line, but a razor-thin photo finish confirmed Tharp’s blistering late charge.
Tharp won in 12.94 (-0.6m/s), edging Tinch by just 0.01 seconds.
Tharp Wins a Photo Finish
The race required a second start after European champion Jason Joseph was disqualified for a false start.
When the gun finally went, Bradley Franklin produced another strong start. He had electrified the heats by becoming the 33rd member of the sub-13-second club with a 12.99 win.
Franklin initially ran alongside Tharp. However, he faded during the closing stages.
That allowed Tinch to power past his US compatriot. Tharp, though, found another gear.
His superior closing speed carried him past Tinch right at the finish line.
Six Men Break 13 Seconds in 2026
Franklin’s 12.99 performance in the semifinals had already made him the fifth athlete to break 13 seconds this year. It also set a record number of athletes achieving the feat in 2026.
The final pushed that milestone further.
Tinch became the sixth man to better 13 seconds in 2026. Franklin completed the podium in 13.01, finishing just 0.07 ahead of Trey Cunningham.
The result produced a dominant US sweep of the top four positions.
From NCAA Champion to Global Champion
Tharp reflected on the remarkable contrast between his collegiate season and his global triumph.
“It sounds strange to be the NCAA champion only and then to win the Ultimate Championship, but my coach and I wanted to come out here and get the win – and I did it by a lean,” Tharp said.
He also revealed how close the race was to becoming the only championship he had lost this year.
“If I had lost this race, it would have been the only championship that I have lost this year. I ran as hard as I could from the last hurdle to the finish line to get my way.”
Homework Before Ultimate Championship Gold
Tharp’s student life added another layer to the remarkable day.
“Right now, I am much more excited for my future in athletics, even though I am still going to classes,” Tharp added.
“Can you believe that I did my homework this morning? It was geography, English, the boring stuff. I had much more fun here!”
Tinch Takes the Defeat in Stride
Tinch admitted that he believed he had won the race when he crossed the line.
“I thought I did it,” Tinch said.
He remained positive despite losing by just 0.01 seconds.
“I’d still like to see the photo-finish, but I can’t complain. This was the first time this year I felt I was running the race the same way I was running all races last year.”
Tinch also reflected on what the Ultimate Championship represents.
“The Ultimate Championship is about showing the best version of yourself, so I can’t be mad to finish the year with a season’s best.”