The 16th Gyulai István Memorial – Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix proved again that it is one of the most important one-day competitions of the world’s athletics. At the Budapest station of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series, a line of Olympic champions, world champions, and world record holders stepped onto the track, and the clash paraded a stronger field than any earlier – not by accident, seven meeting records were also born! It reached the highest World Athletics Competition Performance Ranking score in the history of the clash, with 93,581 points, with this representing another milestone in the history of the Gyulai Memorial, leaving behind competitions belonging to the Diamond League series.

The program started immediately with the men’s hammer throw, where the world champion Ethan Katzberg triumphed with an 83.64-meter throw. Behind the Canadian star, the German Merlin Hummel finished, while to the great joy of the home crowd, Bence Halász closed in third place with 81.65 meters. Ármin Szabados also stood his ground excellently, closing the competition in sixth place.

In the women’s long jump, the American Monae’ Nichols acquired the victory with 688 ahead of Claire Bryant and the Jamaican Ackelia Smith, while the Hungarian Petra Bánhidi-Farkas finished in sixth place with 659.

The men’s pole vault again brought the starring of Armand Duplantis. The Swedish world record holder won with a 607-centimeter result, preceding the Australian Kurtis Marschall and the Greek Emmanouil Karalis.

In the women’s pole vault, the Olympic champion Nina Kennedy triumphed with a flawless series, with 480 centimeters, the same height was completed also by the New Zealander Eliza McCartney, who became second due to her more failures, while the Slovenian Tina Šutej finished in third place.

In the women’s high jump, the Australians ruled the field: Eleanor Patterson won with 200 centimeters ahead of her compatriot, Nicola Olyslagers (198), while the Montenegrin Marija Vuković also became third with 198.

In the men’s 400 meters hurdles, an extremely sharp finish decided: the German Emil Agyekum, with 47.58 seconds, preceded the American Trevor Bassitt by only one hundredth, while Caleb Dean, falling behind by another hundredth, became third. In the heat, Csaba Molnár ripped 50.16, the best Hungarian result of this year.

At the women, the American Jasmine Jones proved to be the best with 52.91 seconds, preceding the Jamaican Rushell Clayton (53.34) and the Bahraini Kemi Adekoya (54.18).

In the women’s 200 meters, Gabrielle Thomas again provided a world-class performance, with 21.83 seconds she put Kayla White and Anavia Battle behind her.

At the men, the Moroccan Yassine Hssine won the competition with a 19.92-second time ahead of Makanakaishe Charamba and Udodi Onwuzurike.

In the men’s long jump, the Olympic champion Miltiadis Tentoglou made wait for himself until the very last series, when with his 831-centimeter jump he decided the competition. The Uzbek Anvar Anvarov and the German Simon Batz both closed with 812, while the Hungarian Kristóf Pap finished in seventh place.

In the men’s shot put, the Italian Leonardo Fabbri won with a 22.04-meter result ahead of the Jamaican Rajindra Campbell and the Nigerian Chukwuebuka Enekwechi.

The middle-distance runs also brought an extremely high standard. In the women’s 1500 meters, the Australian Abbey Caldwell won with a 4:01.79-minute time ahead of Claudia Hollingsworth and the Kenyan Mirriam Cherop.

At the men, at the end of an amazingly close finish, the Kenyan Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech preceded his compatriot, Danson Kiplangat, by only one hundredth of a second (3:31.09–3:31.10), while the Portuguese José Carlos Pinto finished in third place.

In the men’s 3000 meters, the Kenyan Mathew Kipchumba Kipsang triumphed with 7:31.90 minutes. The American Anthony Camerieri and the Australian Jackson Sharp also finished behind him with an excellent run at the end of an extremely fast competition.

In the sprint events, excellent results were born as well. The men’s 100 meters was won by the Cameroonian Emmanuel Eseme with 9.99 seconds ahead of Abdul-Rasheed Saminu and Ackeem Blake.

At the women, the Olympic champion Julien Alfred proved to be the fastest with 10.87 seconds ahead of Elaine Thompson-Herah and Tina Clayton, while the Hungarian Boglárka Takács reached the finish line in eighth place.

In the women’s 100 meters hurdles, the Olympic champion Masai Russell won with 12.33 seconds ahead of Rayniah Jones and Alaysha Johnson. Among the Hungarians, Luca Kozák finished sixth with a national record (12.59), and Anna Tóth in eighth place.

In the men’s 110 meters hurdles, the American Ja’Kobe Tharp won with a fantastic 12.85-second result ahead of Jamal Britt and Cordell Tinch.

The men’s 800 meters also brought a fiery battle. The Algerian Djamel Sedjati triumphed with a 1:43.19-minute result ahead of the Kenyan Laban Kipkorir Chepkwony and the Spanish David Barroso, while the first eight finishers reached the finish line within less than eight-tenths of a second.

In the last highlighted event of the clash, the men’s 400 meters, the Zambian Muzala Samukonga won with 44.02 seconds. To the greatest joy of the home crowd, Attila Molnár, with a great run, reached the finish line in second place with a 44.51-second time, while the South African Zakithi Nene became third.

Beside the international stars, the Hungarian athletes also stepped onto the track in numerous home events, so the spectators could continuously enjoy the battles of the most different disciplines of athletics throughout the whole afternoon and evening. The program was further colored by the spectacular relay runs of the U12 and U16 age groups, in which the youngest talents of the sport could show themselves in front of the crowd of the National Athletic Centre.

The successful execution of the competition again required a huge teamwork. Led by sports director Attila Spiriev and Péter Deutsch, president of the organizing committee, the high-quality work of the organizers, the judges, the technical staff, and the more than one hundred volunteers ensured that the world’s athletics elite could compete again in excellent conditions in Budapest. Not incidentally, the Hungarian athletes could celebrate 34 personal bests, and plus 14 best results of this year were born!

 

In accordance with traditions, at the end of the competition they handed over the Dr. Spiriev Bojidar Trophy, which this year again could be received by Armand Duplantis. The Swedish world record holder, with his 607-centimeter winning jump, in series again deserved the recognition for the most outstanding performance of the Gyulai Memorial.

 

The 16th Gyulai István Memorial again in a worthy way justified its place among the world’s most significant one-day athletics competitions. In the full-house National Athletic Centre, the crowd could celebrate world-class performances, newer successes of Olympic champions and world champions, as well as memorable Hungarian results. The Budapest clash, with its professional standard higher than any earlier, proved again that the Gyulai Memorial is one of the highest-prestige one-day competitions of international athletics.

 

Olympic champions, world champions, world record holders, and the best of Hungarian athletics tuned up together for the 16th Gyulai István Memorial – Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix. Monday’s press conference was in itself a star-studded parade of athletics, and Tuesday will bring one of the strongest Gyulai Memorials of all time at the Gyula Zsivotzky National Athletic Centre.

The numbers speak for themselves: athletes from 51 countries will compete in 20 international events, which is a record in the history of the event. The field includes nine Paris Olympic champions – seven of whom are individual gold medalists – and five defending world champions.

“There will be strong events, very strong events, and sensationally strong events,” said Sports Director Attila Spiriev, who believes that this year’s field evokes the quality of Diamond League meetings. He then listed events and names that took the breath away of the sports-loving attendees, having once again negotiated sensationally with the stars.

Miklós Gyulai, President of the Hungarian Athletics Association, highlighted the sixteen-year history of the competition and the spirit behind the event.

“My father believed that sport builds bridges. In the past sixteen years, we have built this event in this spirit. It is no coincidence that the world’s greatest athletes have always been happy to return to Székesfehérvár before, and now to Budapest. This is not something to be taken for granted, but the result of the work of the past decade and a half,” said Miklós Gyulai, adding that the development of Hungarian athletes and the strength of the home crowd are just as important a part of the Memorial as the international star field.

In the history of the Gyulai Memorial, from the first competition in 2011 to this year’s event, 241 athletes have participated or are participating who have won a total of 561 Olympic or World Championship gold medals during their careers. The participation record holder is Paweł Fajdek, competing for the 13th time, while Luca Kozák is competing for the 12th time, and Bence Halász is taking the field for the 11th time.

 

Bence Halász: Would channel the energy of the crowd into the throw again

The international program begins at 16:00 right away with one of the strongest events, the men’s hammer throw. The top six in the world rankings will all be in the throwing circle.

For Bence Halász, last year’s Gyulai Memorial is particularly memorable, where he won with a personal best and meeting record of 83.18 meters.

“Last year’s Gyulai Memorial was a defining experience of my career. The strength of the home crowd gave me a lot, and I managed to fully channel that energy into my throw,” said the Olympic silver medalist. “I can compete consistently, but I want to step away from results around 80–81 meters, because there is even more in me. I want to win, but it won’t be easy.”

For one of his biggest rivals, Olympic and two-time world champion Ethan Katzberg, Budapest is also a special place. This is where he truly burst into the world elite when he won the world title in 2023.

“It was a great experience to compete here, my career truly took off here. It is always a pleasure to return to Budapest,” said the Canadian star, who believes that the increasingly strong international field drives continuous improvement.

 

World-class hurdlers and two Hungarian favorites

The field for the women’s 100-meter hurdles rivals the strength of a World Championship final. Olympic champion Masai Russell is competing in incredible form this year, having already come within just two hundredths of a second of the world record.

“I have become more consistent for this year. At every competition, I know what I have to do, how to train, what to eat, how to rest. I only focus on myself,” said Russell, who does not escape the expectations regarding the world record either. “I want to be the greatest hurdler of all time.”

The Hungarian crowd can cheer for Luca Kozák and Anna Tóth.

“I grew up experiencing that you could reach the final with times around 12.7, by now this leans more towards 12.5. But my motivation is absolutely there, I feel that at thirty years old, I have truly matured for hurdling,” said the Hungarian record holder. Regarding the special power of the home competition, she added: “At home, we also want to show what we can do better, we want to give something back to the fans cheering for us.”

Anna Tóth gained a lot of international experience this season and hopes to capitalize on it on Tuesday as well. As she said, the Gyula Zsivotzky National Athletic Centre is her favorite track.

An exceptional field is coming together in the men’s 110-meter hurdles as well. Five athletes with personal bests under 13 seconds are competing. Ja’Kobe Tharp and world champion Cordell Tinch both stated: neither of them has ever competed in such a strong field before.

 

Duplantis wants to take the trophy home again

The name of Armand Duplantis is now inseparable from Budapest. The Swedish superstar won a world title in the Hungarian capital in 2023, and last year he won at the Gyulai Memorial with a world record, capturing the Dr. Bojidar Spiriev Trophy for the best performance of the competition.

“I love Budapest, the track, the stadium, everything. It was fantastic to be here last year, and I expect something similar this year as well,” said Duplantis. “I would like to take the trophy home again, although it is big and hard to fit at home, so my wife might not be as happy about it as I am.”

The world record holder also revealed that he hasn’t felt this much determination in himself for a long time: “I haven’t been this hungry for success in a long time as I am now.”

 

Attila Molnár will have the last word

Tuesday’s competition will receive a worthy conclusion: the final event of the international program will be the men’s 400 meters, featuring Hungarian record holder Attila Molnár.

The indoor European champion improved his own national record to 44.47 seconds in Monte Carlo on Friday, despite only making it into the Diamond League field at the last minute.

“It is an honor for me that mine is the last event, this has never happened to me before,” said Attila Molnár. “My goal is to die by the finish line, and as a result, the clock should show something beautiful. I feel that I haven’t run poorly at the Gyulai Memorial yet, I have always poured my soul out. Considering my current physical condition, something beautiful could come out of my competition this year.”

 

“Among the strongest competitions of the season”

Boglárka Takács will take the field in the 100 meters alongside Olympic champion Julien Alfred. According to the Hungarian record holder, her season still holds serious results.

“I am not maximally satisfied with my season this year, but there is still a long way to go. I am running very good times in training, I am hopeful that this will come out in competitions over time,” said Boglárka Takács. “The Gyulai Memorial is among the strongest competitions of the season.”

For the young Lilianna Bátori, it is also a special opportunity to compete among the best in the world in the high jump.

“I am not used to sitting next to such great people,” noted the U20 and U18 European champion with a smile, who believes the Memorial is another opportunity to battle with the best and learn from them.

Nicola Olyslagers, Nina Kennedy, Miltiadis Tentoglou, Gabby Thomas, and Julien Alfred, among others, will also compete in Tuesday’s event – but one of the most important messages of the press conference was precisely that the uniqueness of the Gyulai Memorial is not given solely by the list of global stars.

Rather, it is the encounter that takes place this evening: between the best in the world, the excellences of Hungarian athletics, and the home crowd.

Last year, this resulted in a world record, a Hungarian personal best, and an unforgettable sporting experience. On Tuesday, at the 16th Gyulai István Memorial, everything is once again in place for Budapest to write athletics history once more.

 

 

Only a few days separate us from the 16th Gyulai István Memorial – Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix on July 14, and the organizers have announced the participation of further world stars. This time, the fields for the men’s 400 meters, men’s 110 meters hurdles, and women’s 100 meters have become complete, meaning that the start list for one of the strongest Gyulai Memorials of all time has practically come together.

In the men’s 400 meters, the world’s best will clash. Taking the start will be Paris Olympics bronze medalist, African champion, and defending Gyulai Memorial champion Muzala Samukonga, as well as American Vernon Norwood, who is a two-time Olympic relay champion and four-time world champion. Also in the field will be South Africa’s Zakithi Nene, currently third in this year’s world rankings, as well as European champion Alexander Doom of Belgium.

The Hungarian crowd can, of course, cheer for Attila Molnár, who, as an indoor European champion and one of the biggest stars of Hungarian athletics, can once again measure his skills against the world elite on home soil. The start list also features Patrik Enyingi and Árpád Kovács, indoor World Championship bronze medalists in the 4×400 meters relay, who can also gain valuable international experience among the top athletes.

The field for the men’s 110 meters hurdles promises a special treat. Arriving in Budapest is American Cordell Tinch, who clocked the second-fastest time of all time this year, as well as Jamaican world record holder Ja’Kobe Tharp. The world-class field is further strengthened by Olympic bronze medalist Rasheed Broadbell, World Championship silver medalist Trey Cunningham, World Championship silver medalist Orlando Bennett, World Championship bronze medalist Tyler Mason, as well as this year’s world number two, American Jamal Britt.

The Hungarian colors will be represented by Dániel Eszes, who, as a Hungarian champion, gets the opportunity to prove himself against the current best hurdlers of the sport.

An incredible field has come together in the women’s 100 meters as well! The Paris Olympics champion, Julien Alfred, leads the field – the sprinter from Saint Lucia is one of the biggest sprinting sensations of recent years, and new, excellent rivals await her in Budapest. Such as Jamaican Olympic and World champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, who clocked a 10.91 just a few days ago in Zagreb, and who is the first female athlete to win both the 100 and 200 meters flat at two consecutive Olympic Games. Fellow Jamaican Tina Clayton, a two-time World Championship silver medalist and one of the world’s most talented young sprinters, is also a sensational name in the lineup.

Hungarian athletics will be represented by Boglárka Takács. For the Hungarian record holder and indoor European Championship finalist, it is a special opportunity to compete against Olympic champion and World Championship medalist rivals in front of a home crowd.

Based on the announcements of recent weeks, it is already certain that the field for the 16th Gyulai István Memorial will be stronger than ever before.

Present at the National Athletic Centre will be, among others, Armand Duplantis, Miltiadis Tentoglou, Emmanouil Karalis, Gabby Thomas, Akani Simbine, Wayde van Niekerk, Ethan Katzberg, Masai Russell, Tobi Amusan, Nicola Olyslagers, Nina Kennedy, and numerous other Olympic champions, World champions, and world record holders.

For Hungarian fans, it is a particular joy that alongside the world-class athletes, Bence Halász, Attila Molnár, Boglárka Takács, Luca Kozák, Anna Tóth, István Szögi, István Palkovits, Kristóf Pap, Dominik Illovszky, János Kubasi, Sára Mátó, Petra Lalik, Lilianna Bátori, Hanga Klekner, Ármin Szabados, Dániel Rába, and other excellent Hungarian athletes will also take the start.

Everything is set, therefore, for the 16th Gyulai István Memorial – Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix on July 14 to once again be one of the most outstanding one-day competitions of the international athletics season, where the world’s biggest stars and the excellences of Hungarian athletics will together conjure an unforgettable evening for the Budapest audience.

A stellar atmosphere – just like last year – is guaranteed in the stadium stands. Tickets can be purchased on this Eventim platform.

Member clubs of the Hungarian Athletics Association can purchase tickets with a 10% discount; to do so, the code must be requested from the head of the member club.

16th Gyulai István Memorial – Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix, Budapest – Events

Men: 100 m, 200 m, 400 m, 800 m, 1500 m, 3000 m, 110 m hurdles, 400 m hurdles, pole vault, long jump, shot put, hammer throw

Women: 100 m, 200 m, 1500 m, 100 m hurdles, 400 m hurdles, high jump, pole vault, long jump

New global stars have been announced by the organizers of the 2026 Gyulai István Memorial – Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix. This time, the fields for the men’s and women’s 200 meters, as well as the women’s 100 meters hurdles, have been finalized, and based on the line-up, world-class quality is once again guaranteed at the National Athletic Centre.

In the men’s 200 meters, one of the sport’s biggest personalities, the 400 meters world record holder, Wayde van Niekerk, will also compete in Budapest. Alongside the South African star, the 2023 Gyulai Memorial winner and Dominican Olympic fourth-place finisher Alexander Ogando, the four-time European champion Zharnel Hughes from Great Britain, and the Paris Olympic 4×100 meters relay champion, Canada’s Aaron Brown, will also arrive. Every member of the field is capable of a sub-20 second performance, so everything is set for an extremely fast race.

An incredible field is expected in the women’s 200 meters as well. The start list is led by three-time Olympic champion Gabby Thomas from the United States, who won gold medals in Paris in the 200 meters, as well as with the 4×100 and 4×400 meters relays. Her compatriot, Kayla White, arrives in Budapest as a world champion relay runner.

Hungarian athletics will be represented by Zita Szentgyörgyi. For the EYOF bronze medalist and 2025 Hungarian champion, competing in front of a home crowd in one of the world’s strongest sprint fields represents a huge opportunity.

The field for the women’s 100 meters hurdles is practically equivalent to a World Championship final. Among those taking the start will be Olympic champion Masai Russell, world record holder and world champion Tobi Amusan, Olympic silver medalist and European champion Cyréna Samba-Mayela, World Championship bronze medalist Grace Stark, and last year’s Gyulai Memorial winner, the World Indoor Championship silver medalist Nadine Visser.

Hungarian fans can also cheer for two excellent hurdlers. Luca Kozák, European Championship silver medalist and Hungarian record holder, will once again test her skills against the world’s elite, while Anna Tóth, the two-time U20 World Championship bronze medalist and U23 European Championship bronze medalist, can prove herself in another prestigious international field.

A full house – just like last year – is guaranteed in the stadium stands – it is worth staying alert – Tickets can be purchased on this Eventim platform. Member clubs of the Hungarian Athletics Association can purchase tickets with a 10% discount; to do so, the code must be requested from the head of the member club.

16th Gyulai István Memorial – Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix, Budapest – Events

Men: 100 m, 200 m, 400 m, 800 m, 1500 m, 3000 m, 110 m hurdles, 400 m hurdles, pole vault, long jump, shot put, hammer throw

Women: 100 m, 200 m, 1500 m, 100 m hurdles, 400 m hurdles, high jump, pole vault, long jump

 

 

The lineup for the 2026 Gyulai István Memorial – Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix is already stunning, and the newly announced names elevate expectations to an even higher level. This time, the organizers announced further participants for the men’s 100 and 800 meters, the women’s 400 meters hurdles, as well as the women’s high jump and pole vault. The list features Olympic champions, World champions, and several Hungarian competitors.

The men’s 100 meters field is spearheaded by South Africa’s Akani Simbine. The meeting record holder of the Gyulai István Memorial has run under 10 seconds in the 100 meters for the twelfth consecutive year, which is a unique achievement in the history of the sport. Joining him in Budapest will be American Ronnie Baker, World champion in the 4×100 meters relay; Cameroon’s African champion, Emmanuel Eseme; and Nigeria’s Kayinsola Ajayi, the African indoor record holder in the 60 meters and fresh NCAA champion.

Hungarian fans will be able to cheer for Dominik Illovszky. The Hungarian record holder in the 60 meters finished 13th at both of the last two World Athletics Indoor Championships and can prove himself once again in a prestigious international field on home soil.

The men’s 800 meters field will also be world-class. Taking to the track will be Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati, one of the event’s biggest stars, who is a two-time World Championship silver medalist and Olympic bronze medalist. His opponents include World Indoor champion Bryce Hoppel from the United States, European champion Gabriel Tual from France, and last year’s Gyulai Memorial winner, Laban Kipkorir Chepkwony from Kenya. Strengthening the already powerful field are Handal Roban from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and the European champion and two-time World Indoor champion Mariano Garcia from Spain.

The audience will also have a Hungarian competitor to root for in this event: János Kubasi, the 2025 Hungarian champion, can line up in one of the strongest fields of his career.

The women’s 400 meters hurdles field is virtually equivalent to a World Championship final. Alongside World silver medalist Jasmine Jones and World bronze medalist Emma Zapletalová, the field features two-time World bronze medalist Rushell Clayton from Jamaica, as well as NACAC champion Shiann Salmon, also from Jamaica. Hungarian athletics will be represented by Universiade bronze medalist Sára Mátó and U20 European Championship finalist Petra Lalik.

The women’s jumping events also line up a succession of Olympic and World Championship medalists. In the high jump, World champion and Olympic bronze medalist Eleanor Patterson, alongside Paris Olympics bronze medalist Iryna Gerashchenko, join the previously announced stars.

In the pole vault, the arrival of Olympic and World champion Nina Kennedy represents another massive boost.

A full house – just like last year – is guaranteed in the stadium stands – it is worth staying alert – Tickets can be purchased on this Eventim platform. For member clubs of the Hungarian Athletics Association, tickets can be purchased with a 10% discount; to do this, request the code from the head of the member club.

16th Gyulai István Memorial – Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix, Budapest – Events

Men: 100 m, 200 m, 400 m, 800 m, 1500 m, 3000 m, 110 m hurdles, 400 m hurdles, pole vault, long jump, shot put, hammer throw

Women: 100 m, 200 m, 1500 m, 100 m hurdles, 400 m hurdles, high jump, pole vault, long jump

 

New global stars have been added to the field of the Gyulai István Memorial – Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix.

Following the previous two announcements, more world-class fields have been finalized for the 2026 Gyulai István Memorial – Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix. This time, the international elite for middle- and long-distance running, the 400m hurdles, and the men’s long jump has expanded for the Budapest event, while several Hungarian athletes will also get the chance to test their skills against the world’s best in front of a home crowd.

The men’s 1500m flat race field promises to be incredibly strong. Taking to the starting line will be Kenya’s Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech, who clocked a U20 world record last year, alongside his compatriot Reynold Cheruiyot, the bronze medalist from the 2025 World Championships. The elite field will also include Great Britain’s Neil Gourley, who claimed a World Indoor Championship silver medal this year. Hungarian colors will be represented in this event by István Szögi. The European Indoor Championship finalist has proven multiple times in recent years that he belongs among Europe’s best, and in Budapest, he receives another opportunity to compete in a world-class field.

A major international battle is also expected in the men’s 3000m. Returning to action is defending champion Mathew Kipchumba Kipsang of Kenya, who won the Gyulai István Memorial last year. Also in the field will be Norway’s Narve Nordås, the 2023 World Championship bronze medalist, and Mexico’s Eduardo Herrera, who finished in second place in Budapest in both of the past two years. The Hungarian competitor in this event will be István Palkovits. The Hungarian record holder in the 3000m can line up in one of the strongest fields of his career, allowing him to gauge his form against the international elite in front of the home fans.

Several outstanding athletes are arriving in Budapest for the women’s 1500m flat race as well. Australia’s Abbey Caldwell currently ranks among the elite on this year’s world list, while her compatriot, Georgia Griffith, returns to Hungary as a World Indoor Championship bronze medalist and last year’s Gyulai Memorial winner. Portugal’s Salomé Afonso arrives at the event as a fresh European record holder, and the field will also feature the equally superb American runner, Heather MacLean.

In the 400m hurdles, the most prominent figure in the field will be Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba – the two-time World Championship bronze medalist has been a defining force in the international elite of the event for many years. His challengers will include America’s Trevor Bassitt, who is a World Championship bronze medalist individually and a two-time World Champion with the 4x400m relay, as well as US national champion CJ Allen and Brazil’s Matheus Lima.

The men’s long jump field will be equally world-class. One of the biggest stars of the event, Greece’s Miltiadis Tentoglou – the two-time Olympic champion, World champion, and multiple European champion – had his participation at the Budapest meet announced two weeks ago. The Greek icon has now been assigned rivals: his biggest competitors will include Jamaican stars Tajay Gayle (World champion) and Wayne Pinnock (Olympic silver medalist jumpers), alongside Sweden’s Thobias Montler, America’s Nikaoli Williams, and Spain’s Lester Lescay. Hungarian fans will also have the chance to cheer for Kristóf Pap. For the multiple Hungarian champion long jumper, competing against the world’s most successful jumpers on home turf will be an exceptional opportunity.

Star announcements will continue over the coming weeks, so the names of additional Olympic and World champion athletes are expected to be revealed. Based on the already known line-up, however, it can be stated that the 2026 Gyulai István Memorial – Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix will once again be a standout stop of the international athletics season, where the Hungarian audience can see the sport’s biggest stars up close.

A full house is guaranteed in the stadium stands – just like last year – so it’s worth staying alert! Tickets can be purchased via this Eventim platform.

16th Gyulai István Memorial – Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix, Budapest – Events

Men: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m, 110m hurdles, 400m hurdles, pole vault, long jump, shot put, hammer throw

Women: 100m, 200m, 1500m, 100m hurdles, 400m hurdles, high jump, pole vault, long jump

The world-class field of the 2026 Gyulai István Memorial – Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix continues to expand. The organizers of the Budapest meet have announced outstanding athletes for additional events, including one of the biggest current stars of the sport, a world record holder, Olympic and world champions, alongside key figures of Hungarian athletics.

At the center of the men’s pole vault field is once again Sweden’s Armand Duplantis. The arrival of the world-record-holding superstar was announced by the legend himself earlier this year, but now the lineup is complete, in which we can confirm the sport’s biggest star will compete in Budapest. The two-time Olympic champion and three-time world champion is one of the most dominant athletes of recent years, who has already won twice at the Gyulai István Memorial, and arrives as the clear favorite this time as well. We will never forget how he thrilled us with a world record last year.

Behind the Swedish star lines up an incredibly strong field. Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis, silver medalist at the 2025 World Championships and bronze medalist at the 2024 Olympics, will take to the runway, along with American Sam Kendricks, who, as a two-time world champion and Olympic silver medalist, is one of the most experienced competitors in the discipline. The field is further strengthened by two-time World Championship bronze medalist Kurtis Marschall of Australia and European Indoor Champion Sondre Guttormsen of Norway.

World-class athletes are also arriving at the Zsivotzky Gyula Athletic Centre for the men’s shot put. One of the best-known figures in the field is New Zealand’s Tom Walsh, the 2017 world champion and four-time indoor world champion. His rivals will include Italy’s Leonardo Fabbri, European champion and two-time World Championship medalist, as well as American Roger Steen, who has consistently finished on the podium at recent indoor world championships.

American Payton Otterdahl, a former winner at the Gyulai István Memorial, will also compete in the event, alongside Jamaican Rajindra Campbell, the bronze medalist of the Paris Olympics. This strong field guarantees that the shot put will be one of the most exciting events of the meet.

A prestigious international field is also expected in the women’s long jump. Colombia’s Natalia Linares arrives in Budapest as a World Championship bronze medalist and a former Gyulai Memorial winner, while American Claire Bryant, with her indoor world championship title, is considered one of the most dangerous competitors in the discipline – plus, she is the defending champion of the meet.

It is a special joy for Hungarian fans that several local athletes will get the chance to compete against the world’s elite. Petra Bánhidi-Farkas, U23 European champion and Olympian, will be competing, as well as Diána Lesti, who has already proven her talent at the World Indoor Championships. The youngest Hungarian competitor in the field will be Bori Rózsahegyi, who won the U20 European Championship title last year and can gain crucial international experience among the world’s best.

Star announcements will continue in the coming weeks, so more Olympic and world champion athletes are expected to be revealed. Based on the confirmed field so far, however, it is already safe to say that the 2026 Gyulai István Memorial – Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix will once again be one of the standout stops of the international athletics season, where the Hungarian crowd can see the sport’s biggest stars up close.

A full house – just like last year – is guaranteed in the stands – so you better be quick – Tickets can be purchased on this Eventim platform.

16th Gyulai István Memorial – Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix, Budapest – Events

Men: 100 m, 200 m, 400 m, 800 m, 1500 m, 3000 m, 110 m hurdles, 400 m hurdles, pole vault, long jump, shot put, hammer throw

Women: 100 m, 200 m, 1500 m, 100 m hurdles, 400 m hurdles, high jump, pole vault, long jump

The countdown is officially on for the 2026 Gyulai István Memorial – Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix, with the first wave of blockbuster star announcements dropping this Thursday at noon. The Budapest-based showpiece has unveiled an elite lineup across four disciplines, stacked with reigning Olympic champions, global titleholders, and the absolute powerhouses of track and field.

Headlining the men’s long jump field is none other than Greece’s flying sensation, Miltiadis Tentoglou. The two-time Olympic and World Champion stands as one of the most prolific and dominant jumpers of recent times, boasting a monstrous personal best of 8.65 meters. Tentoglou rolls into Budapest as the heavy favorite for gold and is guaranteed to be an absolute crowd-pleaser on the runway.

The men’s hammer throw is shaping up to be a spectacular clash of titans. Leading the charge is Canada’s Ethan Katzberg, the reigning Paris Olympic Champion and two-time World Champion, who currently rules the discipline. He will be pushed to the limit by Germany’s Merlin Hummel, the silver medalist from the 2025 World Championships, and Ukraine’s Mykhaylo Kokhan, an Olympic bronze medalist and multiple-time Gyulai Memorial winner who always shines in the Hungarian capital.

This discipline promises high-octane thrills for the home crowd as Hungarian superstar Bence Halász steps into the throwing circle against the world’s best. The Olympic silver medalist and three-time World Championship bronze medalist is primed to unleash a massive performance in front of a passionate home audience. Joining him are rising star Dániel Rába, fresh off an impressive 11th-place finish at the World Championships, and the phenomenal U20 European Champion Ármin Szabados, who is set to gain invaluable experience battling the international elite.

In the women’s high jump, Australia’s world-conquering Nicola Olyslagers headlines the stellar lineup. The two-time Olympic silver medalist has been a force of nature at the pinnacle of global athletics for years and is locked in to play a starring role in Budapest. This event also offers a dream opportunity for one of Hungary’s brightest prospects, Lilianna Bátori – who captured the U20 European title last year – to test her mettle directly against one of the sport’s biggest icons.

The women’s pole vault field promises to deliver elite-level drama. Budapest welcomes Slovenia’s Tina Šutej, the dual silver medalist from both the 2025 World Championships and World Indoor Championships, alongside France’s reigning World Indoor Champion, Marie-Julie Bonnin. Adding further fire to the competition is Czech standout Amálie Švábíková, who placed fourth at the 2025 Outdoor World Championships, and Brazil’s premier vaulter Juliana De Menis Campos, one of South America’s absolute best. The star-studded lineup is reinforced by New Zealand’s Imogen Ayris, bronze medalist at the 2025 World Indoor Championships. Flying the flag for the host nation is Hungary’s own national record holder and Olympian, Hanga Klekner, who is ready to square off once again with the world’s elite.

Thanks to the stellar efforts and tireless work of Sports Director Attila Spiriev and Organizing Committee Chairman Péter Deutsch, fans can expect fresh waves of global superstars to be announced every Thursday at 12:00 PM over the coming weeks. Everything indicates that the 2026 Gyulai István Memorial will live up to its prestigious reputation, bringing the crème de la crème of global track and field face-to-face with the electric Budapest crowd!

A packed stadium is absolutely guaranteed – just like last year – with more than 4,000 tickets already snapped up! Don’t miss out on the action, stay sharp and secure your tickets right now via the Eventim platform.

16th Gyulai István Memorial – Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix, Budapest – Events

Men: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m, 110m Hurdles, 400m Hurdles, Pole Vault, Long Jump, Shot Put, Hammer Throw

Women: 100m, 200m, 1500m, 100m Hurdles, 400m Hurdles, High Jump, Pole Vault, Long Jump

Preparations are well underway behind the scenes for the 16th Gyulai István Memorial – Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix. Organizers are working at full speed to ensure that on July 14, fans can once again enjoy a world-class evening of athletics at the National Athletic Centre.

Negotiations with international star athletes and their managers are ongoing. While the final lineup is being assembled, one major highlight is already confirmed: as he personally announced, the sport’s global superstar, Armand Duplantis, will be returning! Beyond the field of competitors, all organizational tasks are progressing at full pace. Ticket sales are also looking promising, with significant interest from fans already being recorded.

The summer event is a primary target for Hungarian athletes as well, offering them the chance to compete on home soil alongside international icons. Training is happening across the country, as the key milestones of the season lead toward both the European Championships in Birmingham this August and the Gyulai Memorial.

Following the memorable moments of recent years, everything is in place for Budapest to once again become a hub for international athletics for one night. On July 14, the legend continues.

Just like last year, a full house is expected in the stands, so it is worth acting fast. Tickets can be purchased via Eventim.

16th Gyulai István Memorial – Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix, Budapest – planned events:

Men: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m, 110m hurdles, 400m hurdles, pole vault, long jump, shot put, hammer throw.

Women: 100m, 200m, 1500m, 100m hurdles, 400m hurdles, high jump, pole vault, long jump.

In exactly one hundred days, Budapest will once again become the epicenter of the track and field world. On July 14, 2026, the Hungarian capital will host the 16th Gyulai István Memorial – Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix.

Over the years, this international elite meeting has secured a firm spot on the global athletics map, and fans can expect an equally stellar lineup in 2026. While the detailed program and full entry lists will be unveiled in the coming weeks, several key highlights are already confirmed.

The iconic figure of the pole vault world and current world record holder, Armand “Mondo” Duplantis, is officially confirmed to compete. His presence alone is a guarantee of world-class quality. The Swedish icon was one of the Memorial’s biggest stars last year, where he even cleared a world record height, and his performance is set to be a headline attraction once again this year.

Beyond the international giants, organizers are dedicated to providing a platform for Hungary’s finest athletes to shine on home soil at the Zsivotzky Gyula National Athletic Centre. Historically, the Gyulai István Memorial has played a vital role in allowing Hungarian elite competitors to test their mettle against a world-class field.

As part of the World Athletics (WA) Continental Tour Gold series, the meeting is widely recognized as one of the best and most prestigious one-day events in the world. The 2026 edition is being organized by the National Event Management Agency in cooperation with the Hungarian Athletics Association.

A full house is expected once again – much like last year – with over 3,000 tickets already sold. Fans are encouraged to act fast to secure their spots. Tickets are available for purchase via the Eventim platform.

16th Gyulai István Memorial – Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix, Budapest – provisional events

Men: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m, 110m Hurdles, 400m Hurdles, Pole Vault, Long Jump, Shot Put, Hammer Throw.

Women: 100m, 200m, 1500m, 100m Hurdles, 400m Hurdles, High Jump, Pole Vault, Long Jump.