Bubka to stand for IAAF presidency

SergeyBubka - Cropped

Legendary former pole vaulter Sergey Bubka has revealed that he will stand as a candidate for the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) presidency. 

The 51-year-old Ukrainian on Wednesday confirmed that he will be in the running to replace Lamine Diack along with Seb Coe when the long-serving president steps down later this year.

Bubka has held roles with the Ukraine National Olympic Committee, the International Olympic Committe and the IAAF over the last 15 years and is now eager to make the step up from his position of vice president to take the top job in athletics.

The former Olympic champion revealed on his official website: "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.

"I have been honoured 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.

“We also need to provide greater grassroots support to inspire the next generation of athletes; we need to better engage with young people and build new audiences; and we need to ensure protection of clean sport."

The IAAF presidential election will be held in Beijing in August. 

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