Swedish pole vaulter Armand “Mondo” Duplantis has introduced his favorite color-themed song, “Gold,” in collaboration with World Athletics for the inaugural Ultimate Championship. This championship features a substantial $10 million prize pool and will take place in Budapest from September 11-13, spanning three evening sessions and showcasing top athletes from the Olympics, world championships, and Diamond League.
Duplantis, a two-time Olympic champion and world-record holder, ventured into music a few years back and previously released a single titled “Bop” in 2025. Expressing his aspiration to win a Grammy, Duplantis co-wrote “Gold” with Carl Silvergran and Oscar Chase, with Chase handling the production, as per the World Athletics announcement.
In his statement, Duplantis highlighted the song’s theme of representing something larger than oneself, akin to the essence of sportsmanship on the track where athletes symbolize their families, teams, and coaches. The music video for “Gold,” shot in Budapest, incorporates archival clips of Duplantis during his early athletic endeavors.
While discussing his musical pursuits as a form of therapy and a diversion from sports, Duplantis emphasized the unifying power of music and sports in bringing people together. World Athletics plans to integrate “Gold” into the Ultimate Championship’s broadcast and live-event experience, aiming to connect fans worldwide and enhance the in-stadium atmosphere during the event.
Scheduled to perform “Gold” live at the championship’s conclusion, Duplantis’s musical contribution underscores the Ultimate Championship’s focus on celebrating athletes’ talents both on and off the track. World Athletics President, Sebastian Coe, praised Duplantis as a prominent figure in the sporting realm and expressed excitement over his role in creating the Ultimate Anthem.
The Ultimate Championship is set to be a biennial event, promising to captivate audiences with thrilling competitions and artistic contributions from renowned athletes like Duplantis.