Mondo Duplantis has spent most of his career making heights that once appeared impossible look almost routine. His latest attempt to cross into new territory, however, does not involve a pole or a landing mat.

The Swedish superstar has released “Gold”, a pop track written for the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest.

Duplantis announced that the song was available on all major streaming platforms through a video published on his official Instagram account. An accompanying music video has also been released.

Before the launch, Duplantis acknowledged that the response would be divided. “Not everyone will like the song,” he told Swedish broadcaster SVT.

Read also: “More than a player”: West Brom mourns Quevin Castro after death at 25

An anthem with a $10 million stage

“Gold” is more than another personal release. It will become the official soundtrack to the Ultimate Championship, which takes place in Budapest from September 11 to 13.

The new competition will bring together Olympic champions, world champions, Diamond League winners and the highest ranked athletes of the season. It carries a total prize fund of $10 million, with individual event winners receiving $150,000.

According to the official announcement from World Athletics, the song will be used throughout the live event and its international broadcasts. Duplantis will perform it inside the stadium after the final competition on September 13.

The British president of World Athletics, Sebastian Coe, sees the collaboration as part of a wider effort to present athletes as personalities rather than performers who disappear between major championships.

Read also: “Great character”: McIlroy’s verdict after Clark survives dramatic collapse

Personal footage tells the story behind the records

Duplantis wrote “Gold” with Carl Silvergran and Oscar Chase, with Chase also producing the track.

The official music video was filmed at several Budapest landmarks, including Fisherman’s Bastion and Heroes’ Square. It combines the new footage with recordings of Duplantis as a child, clips from his sporting career and appearances by family members, friends and fellow athletes.

The message is built around representing something greater than individual success. Duplantis has explained that athletes compete for their families, teams and coaches, creating a connection between the song and the championship it promotes.

That idea produced an emotional response from Ukrainian high jump world record holder Yaroslava Mahuchikh. SVT reported that Mahuchikh cried while listening, because the message made her think about competing for Ukraine during the continuing war.

Read also: “Dricus Du Plessis, I want you”: Rodrigues demands title eliminator

Music is no longer a minor hobby

Duplantis is represented by Sony Music Sweden and had accumulated more than 11 million Spotify streams even before the release of “Gold”. His first single, “Bop”, arrived in 2025, followed by further releases including “Feeling Myself” and “Midsummer”.

The music career continues alongside sporting results that few athletes in history can match. The 26-year-old is a two-time Olympic champion and has raised the pole vault world record to 6.31 metres after breaking it 14 times.

Only days before releasing “Gold”, he won a fourth consecutive European outdoor title with a championship record of 6.15 metres in Birmingham.

As Athletics Weekly described, Duplantis has worked on music between Stockholm and Louisiana, where he grew up.

Read also: Red Bull refuse to take risks as Hadjar targets Monza comeback

The Ultimate Championship will therefore end with an unusual double performance. First, the world’s leading pole vaulter will compete for another gold medal. Then he will step back into the stadium with a microphone and perform the song carrying the same name.

Read also: “Pretty tough luck, isn’t it?” Toronto loses two stars at once