Swedish pole vaulter known as Armand “Mondo” Duplantis has recently released a song titled “Gold,” in collaboration with World Athletics, to promote the inaugural Ultimate Championship. This event, set to take place in Budapest from September 11-13, will feature top athletes from the Olympics, world championships, and Diamond League competing for a total prize pool of $10 million US dollars. Winners of individual events stand to earn $150,000 in prize money.
Duplantis, a two-time Olympic champion and current world-record holder in pole vault, expressed his passion for music by co-writing “Gold” with Carl Silvergran and Oscar Chase. The song, which carries a message of representing something greater than oneself, reflects the unity between music and sports in bringing people together.
The music video accompanying “Gold” was shot in Budapest and includes footage of Duplantis from his early days as an athlete. Duplantis shared that music serves as a form of therapy for him, offering a break from the demands of sports.
During the Ultimate Championship, “Gold” will be integrated into the event’s broadcast and live experience, aiming to connect fans worldwide. Duplantis is slated to perform the song live at the event’s closing ceremony, highlighting the event’s focus on showcasing both the athletic and artistic talents of participants.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praised Duplantis for creating the Ultimate Anthem, emphasizing the event’s goal of celebrating the multifaceted abilities and passions of athletes. The Ultimate Championship will be a biennial competition, aiming to become a prominent platform for top athletes to shine on and off the track.
