Thirty years ago they would have been arch rivals because of what they represented politically, but now former Olympic Gold medalists Lord Coe and Sergei Bubka are rivals of a different kind.
Both are IAAF vice presidents, and both are running for the much sought after role of President.
Bubka, who also won six World Championship Gold medals for the pole vault and broke 35 World records is also a former politician in his home country of the Ukraine, so is well aware as to what electioneering is all about.
He therefore di not miss the opportunity to press the flesh on Lord Coe’s home patch in London at the Laureus Awards held earlier this week.
Bubka is also vying for the head of the IOC when Dr. Jacques Rogge steps down next year, a role Lord Coe has not shown any aspirations for. Time will tell if he can rise to similar heights administratively as he used to with the aid of his pole!
