Swedish pole vaulter known as Armand “Mondo” Duplantis has unveiled his favorite color through a promotional campaign for the inaugural Ultimate Championship event. The two-time Olympic gold medalist collaborated with World Athletics to release the track “Gold,” which serves as the official anthem for the upcoming tournament 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 Olympics, world championships, and Diamond League across three evening sessions. Winners of individual events will walk away with $150,000 in prize money. Duplantis, aged 26, has ventured into the music scene for a few years and debuted his initial single, “Bop,” back in 2025, expressing his aspirations to clinch a Grammy award.
The song “Gold,” co-written by Duplantis alongside Carl Silvergran and Oscar Chase, and produced by Chase, encapsulates the essence of representing something greater than oneself, as stated by the athlete. The music video, shot in Budapest, incorporates past footage of Duplantis during his early athletic years.
Duplantis, hailing from Louisiana, revealed that music serves as a form of therapy for him apart from his athletic pursuits. The Ultimate Championship will integrate his new song into the event broadcast and live experience, aiming to connect fans globally. Duplantis is also set to perform “Gold” live at the event’s conclusion.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe highlighted the purpose of the Ultimate Championship in showcasing the talents and interests of prominent athletes like Duplantis, emphasizing the event’s biennial nature.