The rain-slicked throwing circle at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship Budapest 26 produced an opening-night shock as Germany’s Merlin Hummel seized the men’s hammer title amid a series of high-profile exits.
The stage appeared set for a familiar heavyweight duel. But the wet conditions and ruthless new format quickly changed the script.
Hummel, the world silver medallist, handled the treacherous conditions from the start. He launched his opening effort to 81.46m, setting a mark that no other competitor could surpass during the evening.
“All of athletes had problems with the wet circle so we had to adapt to it,” Hummel reflected after his triumph. “I fell once and destroyed some cameras, so I just had to adapt to the competition and stay relaxed.”
That composure proved crucial as the competition descended into chaos.
Hummel Gets Revenge Against Halász
Bence Halász, carrying the expectations of the home crowd as Europe’s champion, opened with a strong 80.30m.
The throw put him second and briefly raised Hungarian hopes of a home victory.
For Hummel, however, the result carried an extra meaning.
The German gained revenge against Halász, who had edged him out for European gold in Birmingham just last month.
Katzberg Suffers Shock Exit
The biggest surprise came from world and Olympic champion Ethan Katzberg.
The Canadian entered the competition boasting the world’s six best throws this year. Yet the newly designed four-throw format proved unforgiving.
Katzberg’s opening effort was a huge throw that landed comfortably beyond the 80-metre line. However, it drifted wide of the sector and was ruled a foul.
His second attempt also resulted in a foul.
That brought his competition to an abrupt end as the field was reduced to the top six after round two.
With Katzberg slowly walking away and his coach shaking his head in disbelief, the title race suddenly opened up.
Kokhan Secures Bronze
Olympic bronze medallist Mykhaylo Kokhan took advantage of the changing competition.
He secured third place at the halfway stage before strengthening his position with a 78.90m effort in the third round.
Hummel responded with another outstanding throw, producing 81.44m to reinforce his control of the competition.
Four athletes eventually advanced to the fourth and final round.
However, none could improve on the rain-affected surface.
Hummel held firm and turned the evening’s chaos into the biggest victory of his career.
Hummel: “Winning the Ultimate Title Feels Very Special”
The German admitted that the achievement was difficult to put into words.
“It is so overwhelming,” Hummel said. “Just two years ago I was in the top eight in the world, so then I was overwhelmed with the silver medal at the World Championships last year.”
Hummel has since become accustomed to finishing among the leading athletes.
“I am used to being in the top three now, but winning the Ultimate title feels very special. I still cannot describe how I feel.”