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 launched the track “Gold” in collaboration with World Athletics, serving as the official anthem for the upcoming competition with a substantial prize pool of $10 million.
Taking place in Budapest from September 11-13, the Ultimate Championship will feature top athletes from the Olympics, World Championships, and Diamond League across three evening sessions. Individual event winners will secure $150,000 in prize money.
Having a knack for music, 26-year-old Duplantis previously released his debut single “Bop” in 2025. As the current world-record holder, he aspires to clinch a Grammy award in the future. The track “Gold,” co-written by Duplantis alongside Carl Silvergran and Oscar Chase, was produced by Chase, according to the World Athletics announcement.
In a statement, Duplantis expressed, “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. We represent our family, our team, our coaches, and I love that concept. Music and sports are the two things that bring people together in the best way, and ‘Gold’ is an expression of that.”
The music video accompanying the track was filmed in Budapest and features archival footage of Duplantis during his early athletic endeavors. Duplantis, originally from Louisiana, shared with the Olympics channel his use of music as a form of therapy, offering a break from the intensity of sports.
During the Ultimate Championship, “Gold” will be integrated into the event’s broadcast and live experience, connecting fans in the stadium with global audiences. Duplantis is set to perform the track live to conclude the event, enhancing the celebration of athletes’ talents both on and off the track.
Describing the Ultimate Championship as a platform to showcase athletes’ skills and interests, World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praised Duplantis as a prominent figure in the sport, emphasizing the significance of his role in creating the Ultimate Anthem. The championship will occur biennially, providing a recurring stage for elite athletes to compete and collaborate.
