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 debuted “Gold,” in collaboration with World Athletics, as the official anthem for the upcoming event, which features a substantial prize pool of $10 million.
Set to take place in Budapest from September 11-13, the Ultimate Championship will showcase elite athletes, including Olympic, world, and Diamond League champions, across three evening sessions. Winners of individual events will walk away with a prize of $150,000.
Duplantis, 26, known for his prowess in pole vaulting and also a music enthusiast, previously released his initial single titled “Bop” in 2025. Expressing his aspirations, the world-record holder mentioned his desire to win a Grammy.
The anthem “Gold” was a collaborative effort by Duplantis, Carl Silvergran, and Oscar Chase, with the production handled by Chase, as per the World Athletics announcement. Duplantis shared his inspiration behind the song, emphasizing the idea of representing something greater than oneself, akin to the spirit of sportsmanship.
The music video for “Gold,” shot in Budapest, features nostalgic footage of Duplantis during his early athletic days. In a past interview, Duplantis mentioned using music as a form of therapeutic release and a means to balance his focus away from sports.
During the Ultimate Championship, “Gold” will be integrated into the event’s broadcast and live experience, connecting audiences globally. Duplantis is slated to perform the anthem live at the event’s conclusion, symbolizing the unity of music and sports.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe highlighted the Ultimate Championship’s aim to spotlight athletes’ talents both on and off the track, praising Duplantis as a prominent figure in the sporting world. The championship is set to be a recurring biennial event, promising to captivate fans with thrilling performances and moments of inspiration.
