Considered to be one of the most outstanding athletes of this century.
Started pole vault training in 1974 with coach Vitaliy Petrov and
achieved major victories under his guidance.
In 1980 jumped 5.10m, then in 1981 5.60m.
Won his first World Championship in 1983 with a jump of 5.70m.
First to clear 6.00m in 1985 (Paris).
First to clear 6.10m in 1991 (San Sebastian).
1988 Olympic gold medallist (5.90m).
Current world indoor (6.15m) and outdoor (6.14m) record-holder and the
only person ever to vault 6.l0m.
Broke the world record 35 times - 18 indoors, 17 outdoors giving him
more records in one event than any other athlete.
Won nine world titles at all five outdoor World Championships and at
four indoor championships.
Cleared the 6-metre barrier (19 feet, 8 inches) 40 times; all other
vaulters have done it only a total of eight times.
Cleared 20 feet 10 times; no one else has done it even once.
Ranked by Track & Field News as No. 1 in the world 11 times.
Serhiy Bubka is an incredibly talented well-rounded athlete. He trains
at gymnastics regularly, runs l00m in 10.2 seconds, and has long jumped 7.80m.
Coach Petrov attributes Bubka's success to his ability to concentrate
not only during competition but also while training.
The prestigious Track & Field News refers to the highflying
Bubka as "already an immortal".
Bubka has consistently shown support for Ukraine. During the USSR era,
he always highlighted his Ukrainian nationality. As the USSR was collapsing, he was the
first athlete to espouse the independent participation of Ukraine in the Olympic Games.
Currently he runs a sports club in Donetsk that engages 35 coaches. He also sponsors an
annual pole vault competition in Donetsk.
