Swedish pole vaulter Armand “Mondo” Duplantis has unveiled his favorite color in a promotional campaign for the inaugural Ultimate Championship. The double Olympic gold medalist recently dropped a track titled “Gold” in collaboration with World Athletics, set to be the theme song for the upcoming event with a prize pool totaling $10 million US.
The Ultimate Championship is set to take place in Budapest from September 11-13, featuring elite athletes such as Olympic, world, and Diamond League champions across three evening sessions. Winners of individual events will walk away with $150,000 in prize money.
Known for his athletic prowess, the 26-year-old Duplantis has been exploring his musical side for some time now, having previously released his debut single “Bop” in 2025. As a world-record holder in pole vaulting, Duplantis aspires to clinch a Grammy in the future.
The track “Gold,” co-written by Duplantis alongside Carl Silvergran and Oscar Chase, was produced by Chase, according to a statement from World Athletics. Duplantis shared his inspiration behind the song, highlighting the importance of representing something larger than oneself, resonating with the spirit of unity in sports and music.
The music video accompanying “Gold” was shot in Budapest, featuring archival footage of Duplantis during his early years in the sport. In a previous interview, Duplantis mentioned using music as a form of therapy and a creative outlet away from the demands of athletics.
During the Ultimate Championship, “Gold” will be integrated into the event’s broadcast and live experience, connecting fans globally. Duplantis is scheduled to perform the song live at the event’s closing ceremony, adding an extra dimension to the competition.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe expressed enthusiasm for Duplantis’s involvement, emphasizing that the Ultimate Championship aims to showcase athletes’ talents both on and off the track. The championship is set to be a biennial event, promising to bring together top athletes from around the world in a celebration of sports excellence.
