Armand Duplantis, the pole vault world record holder from Sweden, has unveiled “Gold” as the official anthem for the World Athletics’ inaugural Ultimate Championship. The track, written and performed by Duplantis himself, marks a unique crossover between elite athletics and music ahead of the sport’s flagship new event.
The World Athletics Ultimate Championship will take place in Budapest in September, representing a landmark moment for the sport. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe has backed the initiative as the organisation looks to showcase track and field on a global stage through this inaugural competition.
A Personal Creative Project
Duplantis crafted the song with a deeper meaning beyond the sporting spectacle. “I wrote the song around representing something that’s a lot bigger than yourself,” the Swedish star explained, highlighting the universal themes embedded within the composition. His creative vision extends beyond the track, as he will perform “Gold” live at the closing ceremony in Budapest.
Musical Centerpiece of the Event
The anthem will resonate throughout the Ultimate Championship, with the track set to be played during the competition. Duplantis’ dual role as both world-class athlete and recording artist underscores the innovative approach World Athletics is taking with its newest tournament format. His involvement in creating the official song adds a personal dimension to the event, connecting the competition’s grandeur to individual artistic expression.