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 debuted his song “Gold” in collaboration with World Athletics, serving as the anthem for the upcoming competition with a substantial prize pool of $10 million.
Set to take place in Budapest from September 11 to 13, the Ultimate Championship will feature top athletes from the Olympic, world, and Diamond League realms across three evening sessions. Individual event winners will secure $150,000 in prize money.
Known for his athletic prowess, 26-year-old Duplantis has ventured into the music scene, having previously released his first single, “Bop,” back in 2025. Expressing his aspirations beyond the field, Duplantis shared his dream of winning a Grammy award.
The track “Gold,” co-written by Duplantis alongside Carl Silvergran and Oscar Chase and produced by Chase, conveys a message of representing something greater than oneself, as stated by Duplantis. The accompanying music video, shot in Budapest, features archival footage of Duplantis during his early years in sports.
Duplantis views music as a form of therapy, providing 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 globally.
Scheduled to perform “Gold” live at the event’s closure, Duplantis aims to showcase his multifaceted talents. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe emphasized the championship’s purpose in highlighting athletes’ skills and interests both on and off the track, with Duplantis being a prime example.
The Ultimate Championship is slated to be a recurring biennial event, further solidifying its place as a platform for showcasing athletic excellence and artistic expression.