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 has collaborated with World Athletics to release the song “Gold” as the official anthem for the upcoming competition, which offers a substantial prize pool of $10 million.
Taking place in Budapest from September 11-13, the Ultimate Championship will feature elite athletes, including Olympic, world, and Diamond League champions, across three evening sessions. Winners of individual events will receive a prize of $150,000.
Duplantis, aged 26 and holder of the world record, has a longstanding interest in music and previously debuted his first single, “Bop,” in 2025. Expressing his aspiration to win a Grammy, he co-wrote “Gold” with Carl Silvergran and Oscar Chase, with Chase handling the production, according to a statement by World Athletics.
In the announcement, Duplantis emphasized the song’s theme of representing a cause greater than oneself, mirroring the collective spirit found in both sports and music. The music video for “Gold,” shot in Budapest, includes archival footage of Duplantis during his early athletic endeavors.
Regarding his musical pursuits, Duplantis shared with the Olympics channel his use of music as a form of therapy and a means to balance his focus away from sports. At the Ultimate Championship, “Gold” will be integrated into the event experience, connecting in-stadium spectators with viewers worldwide, with Duplantis set to perform the song live to conclude the championship.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praised Duplantis as a prominent figure in athletics, highlighting the Ultimate Championship’s aim to showcase athletes’ talents both on and off the track. The championship is set to be held biennially, offering a platform for athletes to shine and share their passions with a global audience.