Overview

Sergey Bubka is a retired Ukrainian pole vaulter, widely considered one of the greatest in the sport. Born on December 14, 1963, in Luhansk, Ukraine, Bubka dominated the pole vaulting scene from the 1980s to the early 2000s. He is best known for being the first athlete to clear six meters and for setting 35 world records throughout his career, including both indoor and outdoor marks. Bubka broke the outdoor world record 17 times and the indoor world record 18 times, a testament to his consistent excellence and strategic approach to the sport.

Bubka’s illustrious career includes winning the World Championships six times consecutively, a unique achievement in the event’s history. He also won an Olympic gold medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, which remained his only Olympic medal due to various circumstances, including the Soviet boycott of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and injuries during subsequent games.

After retiring in 2001, Bubka continued to contribute to athletics through various roles, including serving as the President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine and as a member of the International Olympic Committee. His influence in the sport extends beyond his competitive achievements, as he has been involved in sports administration and the promotion of athletics.

• Olympic gold medal (1988)
• Six-time World Champion (1983, 1987, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997)
• Multiple European and World Indoor Championships titles
• Set 35 world records in pole vaulting