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Mondo Duplantis, Swedish pole vault world record-holder, has been named the first ‘Ultimate Star’ of the World Athletics Ultimate Championship debuting in Budapest in 2026.
Armand Duplantis set his latest world record of 6.29m in Budapest. (AP Photo)
Swedish pole vault world record-holder Mondo Duplantis was announced on Wednesday as the first ‘Ultimate Star’ of the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, just over a year before the event’s debut in Budapest.
Duplantis, who set his latest world record of 6.29m in Budapest on Tuesday, will take on the role of key collaborator. He will pursue cultural passions outside of athletics in music, fashion, art, and on-screen activities, promoting the new global season-ending championship.
The World Athletics Ultimate Championship is a pioneering global contest where the world’s top-ranked track and field athletes will compete head-to-head to determine the best. Held every two years, the event will conclude the summer athletics season in years without the World Athletics Championships.
This event will feature world champions, Olympic champions, Wanda Diamond League winners, and the year’s best-performing athletes in three intense sessions from September 11 to 13, 2026, according to World Athletics.
Twenty-six athletes, including Duplantis, have automatically qualified as reigning individual Olympic champions. Duplantis secured his second consecutive Olympic crown in Paris, achieving his ninth world record-breaking performance with a 6.25m clearance.
The 25-year-old has won every global men’s pole vault title since his first Olympic gold in Tokyo four years ago. He has claimed three world indoor titles and two world titles outdoors, the latest in Budapest.
“It’s an honour to be named the first Ultimate Star for the new World Athletics Ultimate Championship,” said Duplantis.
“We’re always looking for new ways to ensure the spotlight shines on athletics, and the Ultimate will illuminate Budapest. I have great memories of winning world gold two years ago and recall the incredible atmosphere inside the stadium that night. It would be a dream to break the world record in front of a packed crowd next year. This event is set to showcase our sport like never before, and I can’t wait to be part of it.”
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said, “Mondo is one of the megastars of our sport- known for his remarkable talents both on and off the field. Whether dazzling us with his pole vault prowess or motivating us with his music, Mondo commands centre stage, and we’re delighted to announce him as our inaugural Ultimate Star. We created this must-see new event to ensure every athletics season culminates in a major global championship with real meaning for athletes, fans, media, and broadcasters.
The stakes are high – every session will be packed with finals, and a record-setting prize pot is up for grabs. We’re ready to see Mondo and his fellow global greats proudly represent their countries and put on a show.”
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital…Read More
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital… Read More
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