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 collaborated with World Athletics to release “Gold,” the anthem for the upcoming event featuring a substantial $10 million prize pool.
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 receive a lucrative $150,000 prize. Duplantis, aged 26 and the current world-record holder, has been exploring his musical talents for some time and previously released his debut single, “Bop,” in 2025.
Expressing his aspirations beyond athletics, Duplantis revealed his dream of winning a Grammy. His latest song, “Gold,” co-written with Carl Silvergran and Oscar Chase and produced by Chase, encapsulates the essence of representing something larger than oneself, as shared by Duplantis in the World Athletics announcement.
Accompanied by a music video shot in Budapest, featuring archival footage of Duplantis as a young athlete, “Gold” symbolizes the unity fostered by music and sports. The song will be integrated into the event’s broadcast and live experience at the Ultimate Championship to connect fans both in-stadium and worldwide.
Scheduled to perform “Gold” live to conclude the championship, Duplantis’ multi-talented pursuits align with the event’s goal of showcasing athletes’ diverse talents. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe expressed enthusiasm for Duplantis’ role in creating the Ultimate Anthem, emphasizing the championship’s focus on celebrating athletes on and off the track.
The Ultimate Championship is set to become a biennial event, aiming to elevate the profile of track and field by highlighting the passion and skills of the sport’s top stars.