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 “Gold” in collaboration with World Athletics, serving as the official anthem for the upcoming competition with a substantial $10 million prize pool.
Set to take place in Budapest from September 11-13, the Ultimate Championship will feature top athletes, including Olympic, world, and Diamond League champions, across three evening sessions. Individual event winners will walk away with a $150,000 cash prize.
Duplantis, 26, who holds the world record, has ventured into the music scene for some time, debuting his first single, “Bop,” in 2025. Expressing his aspiration to win a Grammy, Duplantis co-wrote “Gold” with Carl Silvergran and Oscar Chase. The track was produced by Chase, according to World Athletics.
In a statement, Duplantis shared, “I wrote the song around representing something that’s a lot bigger than yourself. I think that’s what we all do when we’re on the track.” The music video for “Gold,” shot in Budapest, incorporates archival footage of Duplantis during his early athletic days.
Describing music as a form of therapy, Duplantis emphasized its role in providing a break from the intensity of sports. The Ultimate Championship will integrate “Gold” into the event experience, aiming to connect audiences globally.
Duplantis is slated to perform “Gold” live at the championship’s conclusion. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe highlighted the event’s purpose to showcase athletes’ talents both on and off the track, with Duplantis being recognized as a prominent figure in the sport. The Ultimate Championship will occur biennially.