Laureus Academy Member Sergey Bubka: World Athletics Championships preview

August 7, 2013

Sergey Bubka, the man who has held the men’s indoor and outdoor pole vault world records for the past 20 years, believes French youngster Renaud Lavillenie could be the man to finally take them from him.

The Laureus Academy Member also feels that with the World Athletics Championships being held in Moscow, it will be the perfect time for Russian-born Yelena Isinbayeva to reclaim the world title.

Speaking to Laureus.com in London recently, Bubka said:“It’s every athletes dream to have a major event in your home country. Especially for Yelena since she is considering retirement.

“I think it could be a real highlight of the World Championships if Yelena wins the Championships in Moscow.”

And speaking of Lavillenie, Bubka said: “During the London Anniversary Games he did 6.02, he tried to break my record. He will focus to do that in Moscow, and it would be great, I wish him good luck.”

And though saddened by the recent 100 metres doping scandal, Bubka, who is running for the Presidency of the International Olympic Committee in September, believes it shows the authorities are getting better at catching the cheats.

He said: “We are getting stronger… to clean sport and protect the honest athletes… I believe it will continue in this direction.”

Watch the full interview below.