BUBKA LEAVES TO STAY

      Serhiy Bubka, an outstanding Ukrainian pole vaultcr. is not going to take part in major competitions any more. But it docs not mean he has left i sports. For many athletes leaving the big-time sport comes as a shock. No more workouts, no more exhausting training, no more tight schedules to meet, no more superhuman efforts given to victory. Instead, a lot of free time which is to be whiled away, and very disturbing questions on the former athlete's mind: What to do with life? How to learn to live just for the sake of living? Bubka clici not face these problems. In his native town of Donetsk he has found a sports school for young pole vaulters. He has initiated an international tournament. Zirky zherdyny (Stars of Pole Vaulting) which is regularly held in Donetsk, and in which world's top pole vaulters take part. Four years ago he was promoted to membership of the International Olympic Committee, and now he has been promoted to the IOC Executive Committee. At the end of 2000, the International Track-ancl-Field Federation awarded him the top prize in the Spectacular Career nomination; the citation said in part that such a prize was given not only for top achievements in sports but also for a distinguished public life.
      Bubka won his first Olympic gold medal in 1988. Altogether, he has broken 35 world records, won six world championships. Bubka was the first vaulter to clear 6 meters (19 ft 8 in), and later cleared the bar at an even greater height. It is thanks to him that pole vaulting that was not very popular field event before Bubka' achievements, has become increasingly popular.
     Yes, Bubka has left the big-time sport, but he is to stay in the history of athletics as a great vaulter and remarkable person.
Serhiy Bubka has been recently awarded the Order of Hero of Ukraine for his distinguished achievements.

By Valentina Pozhylova
Photos by Mykola Bochok

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