The Bubka rocket is now in orbit. Sebastian Coe's only rival for the succession of Lamine Diack as president of the IAAF, the former pole vault world record holder presented his program on Wednesday April 8. As announced, he did it live on YouTube and Google, from the Ukrainian city of kyiv. A presentation and a program consistent with what was expected from one of the most notable personalities of the sports movement, already vice-president of the IAAF and member of the IOC Executive Board.
Built around a very ambitious 'vision 2025', candidate Bubka's project aims, in his own words, to "guide athletics to new heights. » It is based on eight pillars, i.e. the number of lanes on the track of a stadium: promoting the image of athletics, serving its community, strengthening links with the IOC, adapting athletics to the modern world, protect its integrity, increase the IAAF's income, strengthen efforts on education and play a leading role in implementing social change. Sergei Bubka sweeps wide, even very wide. Normal.
In detail, his campaign program does not lack new features. The Ukrainian explains it in several languages on his website, sergeybubka.com. He explains, for example, that in the event of victory on August 18, 2015, the day of the election to the presidency of the IAAF, he wishes to appoint an executive director responsible in particular for better organizing relations between the different services of the IAAF. institution based in Monaco. He also promises to manage the International Federation like a real business, with the clearly stated objective of attracting new partners and increasing revenue from television rights.
Among the multitude of his ideas, let us note his desire to push national federations and continental associations to operate like real marketing agencies. And, a vast project, to ensure that each of the IAAF member countries has, in “the coming years”, an athletics stadium that meets the standards of an international competition. In his desires, also, a vast debate to be organized with sponsors and broadcasters on the formula and format of the world championships.
Above all, the Ukrainian wants to wage a merciless war against doping. “He is the greatest danger threatening sport in the 21st century,” he believes. Whoever cheats will be punished, no exceptions for cheaters. If elected, I will advocate zero tolerance. » Sergei Bubka also wants to strengthen the anti-doping education programs offered to athletes and more directly support “clean competitors”.
