BUBKA BREAKS POLE VAULT RECORD
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See the article in its original context from September 1992.
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It was the 31sttime the 29-year-old Ukrainian has hiked the world mark, either indoor or outdoor, since since 1984, and broke the mark of 6.11(20-01-2) setin Dijon, France on June 13. Bubka, who lives in Berlin following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, suggested that Sunday's record won't be his last, although he could not predict a date for the next. "People think it's easy for me. But I can't predict when the next record may come. I am human, not a machine. I will train more and more to improve. I always try my best," Bubka said.
The "flying Ukrainian," the world champion and 1988 Olympic gold medalist in Seoul, cleared 6.12 on his first attempt, after faulting once at 5.85 (19-2 1-4).
Italian organizers said Bubka did not get any special bonus or other incentives for his record attempt in Padua.
"He's our long time friend. He made a wonderful gift to us and to the crowd," said Gloria Santi.
Bubka's outstanding performance stole the limelight from other athletes, including four Olympic champions.
Olympic gold medalist Mark McKoy of Canada dominated the 110-meter hurdles beating Florian Schwartoff of Germany in 13.44 seconds.
U.S. sprinter Dennis Mitchell won the 100 meters in 10.43 seconds, edging veteran teammate Calvin Smith. Smith finished second also in the 200 meters, won by American Mikes Bates in 20.87 seconds.
Other U.S. wins were scored by Jim Spivey in the 1,500 meters and by Jim Doehring in the shot-put.
Spivey won in 3 minutes, 36.28 seconds, ahead of Kenyans Wilfred Kirochi and Jonah Birir who were timed in 3:37.24 and 3:37.61.
German Heike Drechsler, leaping more than 7 meters for the 20th time this year, won the women's long jump with 7.02 (23-0 1-2).
Russian sprinter Irina Privalova dominated the women's 100 meters in 11.36 seconds, beating teammate Marina Trandenkova and American Dyan Webber.
