Swedish pole vaulter Armand “Mondo” Duplantis has unveiled his favorite color through a promotional song for the inaugural Ultimate Championship. The two-time Olympic gold medalist, in collaboration with World Athletics, debuted “Gold” as the official anthem for the upcoming competition, which features a substantial prize pool of $10 million.
The Ultimate Championship, set to take place in Budapest from September 11-13, will showcase elite athletes including Olympic, world, and Diamond League champions across three evening sessions. Winners of individual events stand to earn $150,000 in prize money.
Known for his prowess in pole vaulting, the 26-year-old Duplantis has a passion for music and previously released his debut single, “Bop,” in 2025. Expressing his aspirations beyond athletics, Duplantis shared his dream of winning a Grammy award.
The anthem “Gold,” co-written by Duplantis alongside Carl Silvergran and Oscar Chase, and produced by Chase, embodies the spirit of representing something greater than oneself, according to the World Athletics announcement. The music video, shot in Budapest, includes nostalgic footage of Duplantis as a young athlete.
Duplantis views music as a form of therapy, providing a welcome escape from the demands of sports, as he mentioned in an interview with the Olympics channel. His latest song “Gold” will be integrated into the broadcast and live-event experience at the Ultimate Championship, fostering a global connection among fans.
Anticipated as the closing act of the event, Duplantis is set to perform “Gold” live in-stadium, enhancing the overall experience for attendees. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praised Duplantis for crafting the Ultimate Anthem, emphasizing the championship’s focus on showcasing the multifaceted talents and passions of top athletes.
The Ultimate Championship is slated to be a recurring biennial event, offering a platform for athletes like Duplantis to shine both on and off the track.
