Bubka explains absence from World Championships
BEIJING, China (AP) — Sergei Bubka has explained that an illness in the family is why he had to leave Beijing and miss the World Championships after losing to Sebastian Coe in the election for the IAAF presidency.
“As a competitor and IAAF official, I have attended every world championships since 1983,” Bubka, an Olympic gold medalist and six-time world pole vault champion from Ukraine, said in a statement yesterday. “However, a serious illness to a very close family member means that, on this occasion, it is my duty to be with my immediate family at this most difficult and stressful time. I am sure members of the athletics family will understand.”
Bubka retained his position as an IAAF vice-president and has pledged his support to Coe.