Swedish pole vaulter known as Armand “Mondo” Duplantis collaborates in a promotional campaign for the inaugural Ultimate Championship by singing about his favorite color. The two-time Olympic gold medalist unveiled the track “Gold” in partnership with World Athletics, serving as the official anthem for the upcoming competition with a substantial prize pool of $10 million USD.
The Ultimate Championship is set to take place in Budapest from September 11-13, featuring elite athletes including Olympic champions, world champions, and Diamond League titlists across three evening sessions. Winners of individual events will receive a substantial $150,000 reward for their gold medals.
Having dabbled in music for some time, the 26-year-old Duplantis previously released his debut single “Bop” in 2025. The world-record holder aspires to clinch a Grammy award in the future.
“Gold,” co-written by Duplantis alongside Carl Silvergran and Oscar Chase, with production by Chase, encapsulates the essence of representing something greater than oneself, according to Duplantis. The track symbolizes the unity between music and sports, uniting people in a profound way.
The music video accompanying “Gold,” shot in Budapest, features archival footage of Duplantis during his early athletic endeavors. Duplantis shared that music serves as a form of therapy for him, offering a much-needed break from the intensity of sports.
During the Ultimate Championship, “Gold” will be seamlessly integrated into the event’s broadcast and live experience, fostering a connection between on-site spectators and a global audience. Duplantis is slated to perform the song live at the conclusion of the event.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe expressed enthusiasm for the championship, emphasizing its role in showcasing the multifaceted talents and interests of top athletes like Duplantis. The Ultimate Championship is slated to occur biennially, celebrating the essence of athletics beyond the competition itself.