Swedish athlete Armand “Mondo” Duplantis, known for his pole vaulting prowess, has unveiled his latest musical endeavor in collaboration with World Athletics. The track, titled “Gold,” will serve as the anthem for the inaugural Ultimate Championship, which features a substantial prize pool of $10 million.
Set to take place in Budapest from September 11-13, the Ultimate Championship will showcase a lineup of elite athletes including Olympic, world, and Diamond League champions across three evening sessions. Winners of individual events stand to earn $150,000 in prize money.
Duplantis, a two-time Olympic champion and the current world-record holder, has been exploring his musical talents for some time. Having previously released a single called “Bop” in 2025, the 26-year-old athlete aspires to win a Grammy for his music.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind “Gold,” Duplantis emphasized the theme of representing something greater than oneself, a sentiment he believes resonates with athletes on the track. The music video for the song, filmed in Budapest, features archival footage of Duplantis from his early days as an athlete.
Describing music as a form of therapy and a welcome diversion from the demands of sports, Duplantis shared his passion for both disciplines. “Gold” will be integrated into the Ultimate Championship broadcast and live-event experience, fostering a connection between in-stadium spectators and global audiences.
Scheduled to perform “Gold” live at the event’s conclusion, Duplantis is set to captivate fans with his musical talents. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praised Duplantis for creating the Ultimate Anthem, underscoring the championship’s mission to spotlight athletes’ multifaceted talents and interests.
The Ultimate Championship is slated to be a biennial event, promising to elevate the profile of track and field by celebrating the diverse passions of its star athletes.