Athletics - World Athletics Championships - Doha 2019 - Men's High Jump Final - Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar - October 4, 2019 Neutral athlete Mikhail Akimenko in action REUTERS/Pawel Kopczynski
DOHA (Reuters) - A few weeks before the world championships, silver medallist high jumper Mikhail Akimenko didn't think he would compete, let alone step onto the podium.
The 23-year-old Russian was cleared to compete internationally as a neutral athlete by the IAAF on Sept. 10, just over two weeks before the start of the championships.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
