Swedish pole vaulter Armand “Mondo” Duplantis has unveiled his favorite color in a promotional campaign for the inaugural Ultimate Championship. The two-time Olympic gold medalist introduced his track “Gold” in collaboration with World Athletics, setting the tone for the upcoming competition with a substantial prize pool of $10 million.
Scheduled to take place in Budapest from September 11-13, the Ultimate Championship will feature elite athletes, including Olympic, world, and Diamond League champions, competing across three evening sessions. Winners of individual events are set to receive a generous prize of $150,000 each.
Notably, Duplantis, aged 26 and the current world-record holder, has delved into the music scene for a while and previously launched his debut single, “Bop,” in 2025. Expressing his aspirations, Duplantis shared his dream of clinching a Grammy award.
The anthem “Gold,” co-written by Duplantis with Carl Silvergran and Oscar Chase and produced by Chase, encapsulates the spirit of representing a cause larger than oneself, as mentioned in the World Athletics announcement. The music video accompanying the track, shot in Budapest, features vintage footage of Duplantis during his early athletic endeavors.
Describing music as a form of therapy, Duplantis emphasized its role in providing a creative outlet beyond his athletic pursuits. At the Ultimate Championship, “Gold” will be integrated into the event’s broadcast and live experience, connecting fans worldwide.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praised Duplantis for creating the Ultimate Anthem, underscoring the event’s aim to showcase athletes’ talents both on and off the track. The championship is slated to be a biennial affair, promising a platform for athletes to shine and unite through their shared passion for sports and music.
