World Record: Vladimir Polyakov, Soviet Union 5.81m Tbilisi, Soviet Union 1981
Like the Helsinki high jump, victory went to a little-known Ukrainian. The contest lasted almost seven hours after the qualifying round was abandoned due to heavy rain and strong winds. It took five and a half hours for the bar to be raised to 5.60,by which time eight men were in contention. Volkov and Tarev made it on their first attempt while Bubka, the third string Soviet, went over on his third. At 5.65, the two Soviets passed. Tarev failed, but won the bronze because three others who passed at 5.60 also went out.
Vaulting first in distinctive striped socks, Bubka had an easy firsttime success at 5.70. The more experienced Volkov failed once at 5.70 and twice at 5.75. The winner, not 20 until December, took three attempts at a world record of 5.82.
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