Pihlström eyes lucrative World Athletics Ultimate Championship after EM silver

Samuel Pihlström's silver medal at the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham has significantly boosted his profile. The 25-year-old middle-distance runner experienced a noticeable shift in recognition following his strong performance in the 1500 meters.

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It's a duel many have been waiting for.

"There have been many messages. Many people recognize me, want to take pictures, say hello and congratulations. It's been great, but also very new," Pihlström said. He also observes a change in how competitors perceive him. "My competitors don't count me out in these kinds of races anymore, as they perhaps have done before. Now I've shown that I can compete at the front with some of the best."

While the European Championships were his primary focus, Pihlström's season is not over. He is currently in Zurich preparing for the Diamond League competition. A strong performance there could open the door to the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, a new and highly lucrative event offering $150,000 to each individual winner.

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It's been great, but also very new.

However, Pihlström views participation in the Ultimate Championship as a bonus. "I haven't thought too much about it, to be honest. The European Championships were the biggest goal this year, and I see the Ultimate as a bonus if it happens," he stated. He acknowledges it would be an exciting competition, especially with the anticipated 1500-meter duel between Norway's Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Britain's Josh Kerr.

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My competitors don't count me out in these kinds of races anymore, as they perhaps have done before. Now I've shown that I can compete at the front with some of the best.

Notably, neither Ingebrigtsen nor Kerr met the standard qualification criteria for the Ultimate Championship, such as winning the Olympics, World Championships, or Diamond League final. They have each received an "exceptional invitation." World Athletics has justified allowing two such invitations per event, despite the rule typically allowing only one, by stating that the event's premise of including the best athletes would be compromised without their participation.

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I haven't thought too much about it, to be honest. The European Championships were the biggest goal this year, and I see the Ultimate as a bonus if it happens.