Russian high jumper Ivan Ukhov faces a one-year ban after competing in last week's Lausanne grand prix while drunk. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hM4PjNnzrEA "It's a shame. By competing in such a condition he has disgraced all Russian track and field athletes," Russia athletics head coach Valentin Maslakov said. "I will ask our athletics federation to suspend Ukhov for a year." Organisers at the Lausanne grand prix asked Ukhov to pull out of the competition after he failed to clear the opening height. Ukhov's manager Pavel Voronkov said personal problems had led to the 22-year-old's bizarre performance. "There's no denying that Ivan was drunk but he had a fight with his girlfriend and was also upset at failing to qualify for the Beijing Olympics," Voronkov said. "Obviously, Ivan regrets it very much and we have already reimbursed the organisers for all their expenses. He is still young and it should be a good lesson for him but a year ban would just completely destroy him as an athlete." Ukhov's future is likely to be decided at the Russian athletics federation's executive board meeting this month. He is one of Russia's top young high jumpers along with Olympic champion Andrei Silnov. Reuters
He shows up drunk after a fight with a GF at an event where national sporting prestige is a stake? He should be banned for life. I'm sorry, but coddling behavior like this only begets others to do the same shit or for some future claim that if he got away with it, they should too. This guy obviously lacks the maturity to represent anyone, least of all his nation. Out the door with him and good riddance. Ralph
Initially I felt the same as AkkiOnimusha, but on second thoughts, it is probably because the athlete isn't representing me. Had it been someone who represented my country, be it Britain for nationality or China for Ethnicity, I would agree with Ralph. So perhaps Ralph is right!
LMAO its funny how he tried to jump... it pretty amazing though that he was able to run in a straight line... If I were in his shoes I would have faked a knee injury...
