Sergei Bubka is in Paris. The Ukrainian is the guest of the French Athletics Federation, to attend a pole vault demonstration organized this Saturday, June 28 at the Trocadéro, facing the Eiffel Tower, for the promotion of the discipline and the Meeting Areva 2014. He answered questions from FrancsJeux.
FrancsJeux: What do you think of the initiative of the FFA and the Areva Meeting to take athletics out of the stadium and present it to the general public, with Renaud Lavillenie in the spotlight?
Sergey Bubka: The idea is not new. Twenty or thirty years ago, this type of demonstration was quite common. But I applaud with both hands. Athletics must reach out to people, to the general public, especially in places as prestigious as the Trocadéro. We have recently modified the IAAF rules so that a performance carried out under the conditions of a demonstration, outside the stadium, is recognized as official provided that the race or competition was organized in accordance with the rules and in the presence of a technical jury. In my opinion, this is an important step forward.
Could we imagine that a world championship event, in particular a competition, would one day be taken out of the stadium and organized in the middle of a city?
No. The world championships must remain what they are. There is no question of scattering the tests here and there. But it is in the interest of athletics, for its promotion and development, to take advantage of every opportunity to meet the public.
In your eyes, is athletics in good health today?
You always have to move forward, analyze the situation and be creative. Conservatism is no longer possible. Competition is too strong today between sports. We need to continually work on ideas and ways to present athletics in the best light. In this sense, a pole vault demonstration like the one organized this Saturday in front of the Eiffel Tower is an excellent idea.
What do you think of the Diamond League? Is this the right formula?
It is important for us to present a global circuit, with stages all over the world and the presence of the best athletes. It will undoubtedly be necessary to include a greater number of disciplines. But the concept is good. That said, we still need to improve it. I'm thinking in particular of the name. We have to ask ourselves how to attract the public, especially people who don't know athletics. We could draw inspiration from the disciplines of the Winter Games. They have a World Cup, in stages, before an annual grand final. For the general public, the concept of the World Cup speaks volumes. It makes sense.
Are you suggesting changing the name from Diamond League to World Cup? You would do it?
I thought about it. And I express to you the result of my reflections. But we must move forward step by step. You will have to think about it and study the idea before making such a decision.
Where does the Ukrainian city of Lviv’s bid for the 2022 Winter Games stand today? Will you be on the shortlist to be communicated by the IOC next month? Will you go all the way?
The situation is not easy. It is not generally easy in Ukraine. Regarding Lviv 2022, we will decide very soon what attitude to adopt. Wait a bit, you will know very quickly.
