Addis Ababa, September 13, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopian athlete Likina Amebaw has won the women’s 5,000m title at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, Hungary, delivering a commanding performance to claim the championship’s top prize.
Amebaw took control of Sunday’s final from the early stages, setting a strong and sustained pace that gradually stretched the field. By the halfway point, she had established a clear lead and continued to extend the gap as the race progressed.
She crossed the finish line in 14:30.36, more than two seconds ahead of Australia’s Jessica Hull, who finished second in 14:32.39. Ethiopian athlete Fantaye Belayneh secured third place in 14:32.62, giving Ethiopia two places on the podium.
Ethiopia also had a strong presence throughout the final. Freweyni Hailu finished fourth in 14:32.76, followed by compatriot Aleshign Baweke in fifth in 14:32.95. Senayet Getachew placed seventh in 14:38.65, while Hirut Meshesha finished ninth in 14:42.49.
The women’s 5,000m final was held on Sunday, September 13, on the final day of the three-day inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest. Ethiopia entered the race with a particularly strong contingent, with four athletes — Amebaw, Hailu, Getachew and Baweke — identified among the leading contenders ahead of the final.
Amebaw’s victory adds another major international title to her 2026 season and gives Ethiopia a championship victory at the debut edition of the new World Athletics event.