The greatest pole vaulter in history, the first and only athlete to clear 20 feet, is focused on making another great leap: IOC president. Sergei Bubka, who broke 35 world records, might not be the favorite but he is the most well known of the six candidates hoping to replace outgoing president Jacques Rogge. A new IOC president will be elected Sept. 10 at the IOC meetings in Buenos Aires. Two days earlier, wrestling, baseball/softball or squash will join or rejoin the Olympics beginning with the 2020 Games. The host city for the 2020 Summer Games will also be picked.
In a wide-ranging conversation with USA TODAY Sports, Bubka, 49, addressed the hot-button issues of the moment. With Russia’s anti-gay legislation a concern for gay athletes and visitors heading into the Sochi Olympics, Bubka was asked whether the Olympic charter should be changed. It states that “any form of discrimination with regard to a country or a person on grounds of race, religion, politics, gender or otherwise is incompatible with belonging to the Olympic Movement.” Gay rights advocates would like the criteria of “sexual orientation and gender identity” to be added. There should be no discrimination to anyone, any religion, sexual or any political issue,” Bubka said. “The Games always bring good change. We are confident that there will be no discrimination in Sochi. For Russia, this is very important. They invest in a lot. It will be a great legacy.” more at USAToday
