DAYS WHICH MADE HISTORY

Well, there were three unforgettable days in Donetsk.

I really love this fantastic atmosphere of ‘Pole Vault Stars’ meeting when dozens of my old and new friends arrive, all smiling, openhearted, sharing news and emotions. Everybody can hardly wait to see the competitions. But this year was special – after Renaud made two fantastic jumps on 6.04 and 6.08 everybody was looking forward to see something unique.

After 6.16 happened media attacked me with question that surprised me a lot. They asked ‘do you feel sorry or jealous that you not world record holder anymore?’ People, why?!! Why should I? Sport needs constant progress to attract public attention. We need new heroes, new stars and role models to involve kids.

Sport is not a museum – and I’m not one of its showpieces. I’ve never lived in the past just enjoying my records and victories. On the contrary I always tried to push the sport forward, to share my experience, to raise the bar higher. Why sorry? I’m happy to see my job and my legacy brought such a great result.

Renaud Lavillenie is a fantastic athlete. I’m absolutely sure he opened new era of pole vaulting giving the reason for many athletes to believe that impossible is nothing. I’m sure 6.16 is not his last achievement. And I am again and again happy that he has broken the record here in Donetsk, in Ukraine where a lot of people have done a lot to create this pole vault ‘centre of the world’.

Media have also asked me why there was no shock and surprise at my face moment after Renaud jumped the record height. The answer is clear – I’ve been at these heights myself. I’ve always said 6.15 is not beyond human limits. And seeing Renaud’s successful attempts at 6.04 and 6.08 as well as 6.07 last year in Goteborg I knew he is ready. What amazed me is that he has done it at the first attempt, bravely, without hesitation. This demonstrates his talent and his mental strength.

Speaking on limits – I would say 6.20 or 6.21 are the heights close to limits. Renaud tried to jump 6.21 on Saturday – I presume it was too early for him. But maybe he did it just to warn the bar ‘Hey, look, I’m coming!’).

So Renaud, thanks a lot for these days. Hope you will recover soon to get back to competition and prepare yourself well for the summer season!

I would also like to those who helped this meeting happen with a great success. I mean Donetsk city administration, city and region councils, as well as IAAF officials and Ukrainan Athletics Federation, and for sure all the fans for their fantastic support. My special thanks to the staff of the 'Sergey Bubka Sport Club' who through all these years made everythng possible for the success of this unique sport festival.

I in turn get back to Sochi where XXII Winter Olympics approach to their climax. I missed some great days but I surely followed the Games. Today it is a great occasion to congratulate our neighboring Belorussia and personally Dasha Domracheva. She has become the first female biathlete and second ever biathlete to win three gold medals at one Games. Amazing!

Much more Olympic emotions to come in the next six days. Let’s enjoy them together!

Sergey Bubka.