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, which boasts a hefty prize pool of $10 million.
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. Winners of individual events will pocket $150,000 in prize money.
Duplantis, aged 26 and the current world-record holder, has been involved in music for some time and previously released his debut single, “Bop,” back in 2025. Expressing his aspirations, Duplantis mentioned his dream of clinching a Grammy award.
The anthem “Gold” was co-written by Duplantis with Carl Silvergran and Oscar Chase, with Chase handling the production, according to a statement from World Athletics. The music video accompanying the track was filmed in Budapest and features archival footage of Duplantis during his early years as an athlete.
Describing the inspiration behind the song, Duplantis stated, “I wrote the song around representing something that’s a lot bigger than yourself,” highlighting the unity that sports and music bring. The upcoming Ultimate Championship will integrate “Gold” into its broadcast and live-event experience, aiming to connect fans both in the stadium and worldwide.
Duplantis is slated to perform “Gold” live at the event’s closing ceremony, as part of the Ultimate Championship’s focus on showcasing the talents and passions of renowned athletes like Duplantis. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe expressed excitement about Duplantis creating the Ultimate Anthem, emphasizing the event’s purpose to spotlight athletes’ skills both on and off the track. The championship is set to be held biennially.