On Wednesday, IAAF Vice President Sergey Bubka announced his decision to stand as candidate for the presidency of the IAAF, following fellow IAAF Vice President Seb Coe’s announcement to vie for the post last November. 

 

The announcement is being made in conjunction with the Ukraine Athletic Federation Executive Committee decision and following recommendations and support from colleagues in the Athletics Federation. Bubka has served for the past 15 years in different senior positions at the IAAF, IOC and Ukraine National Olympic Committee. 

 

“I am seeking the IAAF presidency to give something back to the world of athletics which has given so many opportunities to me throughout my life,” Bubka told aipsmedia.com. 

 

“I have been honored to serve athletics alongside Lamine Diack, with my colleagues and friends. Now that Mr. Diack has decided to step down as President, I wish to build upon the progress achieved by the IAAF under his leadership to ensure that the sport of athletics and its governing body are world-class and an example to others with regard to governance, transparency and ethics.”

 

Bubka’s experience includes being a member of the IAAF Competition Commission, Athletics Commission, IAAF Development Commission and currently its chairman and also chairman of the IAAF World Championships Evaluation and Coordination Commissions. 

 

While competing, Bubka set the world record in the pole vault 35 times and won six consecutive World Championships, four indoor World Championships, a European championship, and an Olympic gold medal. 

 

The IAAF presidential election will be held in August during the IAAF Congress in Beijing, China.