Pole Vault Sensation Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis Named First ‘Ultimate Star’ of World Athletics Ultimate Championship
Swedish pole vault world record-holder Armand “Mondo” Duplantis has been announced as the inaugural ‘Ultimate Star’ of the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, set to make its debut in Budapest in 2026.
Duplantis, who recently set a new world record of 6.29m in Budapest, will serve as a key ambassador for the championship. Beyond athletics, he will engage in cultural pursuits including music, fashion, art, and on-screen projects, promoting the global season-ending event.
The World Athletics Ultimate Championship is a revolutionary contest that brings together the world’s top-ranked track and field athletes to compete head-to-head for the title of the season’s best. Held every two years, the event will close the summer athletics season in years without the World Athletics Championships.
From September 11 to 13, 2026, the championship will feature world champions, Olympic champions, Wanda Diamond League winners, and the year’s best-performing athletes across three high-intensity sessions.
Twenty-six athletes, including Duplantis, have automatically qualified as reigning individual Olympic champions. Duplantis recently clinched his second consecutive Olympic gold in Paris, marking his ninth world record-breaking performance with a 6.25m clearance.
At just 25, Duplantis has won every global men’s pole vault title since his first Olympic gold in Tokyo, including three world indoor titles and two outdoor world titles, the latest in Budapest.
Speaking on the honour, Duplantis said:
“It’s an incredible honour to be named the first Ultimate Star for the new World Athletics Ultimate Championship. The Ultimate will shine a spotlight on athletics like never before. I have wonderful memories of winning world gold in Budapest two years ago, and breaking the world record in front of a full stadium next year would be a dream. I’m excited to be part of this pioneering event.”
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe added:
“Mondo is one of the megastars of our sport—amazing on the field and inspiring off it. Whether with his pole vaulting or his music, Mondo commands attention. We’re thrilled to name him the inaugural Ultimate Star. This event ensures every athletics season ends with a major global championship that matters to athletes, fans, media, and broadcasters. The stakes are high, and the prize pot is record-breaking. We can’t wait to see Mondo and his fellow stars showcase their talent and represent their countries.”
