Kitaguchi's Record Javelin Throw Seals Ultimate Champ Win

Haruka Kitaguchi of Japan won the women's javelin at the Ultimate Champ with a national record throw of 226-1 (68.92 meters). The reigning Olympic champion's performance in Budapest overturned expectations set by the previously unbeaten 18-year-old Chinese prodigy Ziyi Yan, who led after the first round but retired injured.

The Early Lead

Ziyi Yan, who entered the competition ranked world number one, opened with a throw of 222-3 (68.05). That mark was the farthest anyone in the world had thrown in 2026. Serbia's Adriana Vilagoš was second after the first round with 201-4 (61.37), while Haruka Kitaguchi could only manage 200-7 (61.15).

A Dramatic Shift

The competition's dynamic changed completely in the second round. Yan improved to 209-9 (63.95) but immediately signaled an issue with her right foot. Colombia's Flor Dennis Ruiz and Australia's Mackenzie Little then threw 205-5 (62.62) and 201-9 (61.49) respectively, moving ahead of Kitaguchi. The Japanese star responded instantly. Her next throw landed at 226-1 (68.92), drawing applause from her coach, men's world record holder Jan Železný. The effort broke her own Japanese record by exactly four feet and moved her into a tie for tenth on the all-time list.

Injury Ends Yan's Challenge

After Kitaguchi fouled her third attempt, Ziyi Yan removed her javelin boot and officially retired from the competition. She was taken from the stadium in a wheelchair for treatment. With her main rival out, Kitaguchi's path to victory was clear, though she fouled her final throw. Reflecting on her surprise win, Kitaguchi said, "I'm glad I've kept such fond memories of this stadium." She had failed to make the final at her home World Championships the previous year while battling an elbow injury.

The Final Standings

With Yan injured, the battle for the remaining podium spots intensified. Mackenzie Little reached 207-11 (63.37) in the third round. Flor Dennis Ruiz then reclaimed third place with a final-round throw of 212-9 (64.84). The competition marked the first meet of 2026 where four women surpassed the 63-meter barrier.

Kitaguchi credited her coach's mid-meet advice for her record-breaking performance. "After my first attempt, my coach told me to stay focused and keep the javelin straight," she said. "He said that if I managed that, I could get some real distance." The victory, worth $150,000, was her first in Budapest since winning the world title at the same stadium three years earlier.