Isinbayeva

Yelena Gadzhievna Isinbayeva is a Russian former pole vaulter. She is considered by many to be the greatest pole vaulter of all time. Isinbayeva broke the world record in the women's pole vault a total of 28 times. She won Olympic gold medals in 2004 and 2008, and a bronze medal in 2012. She also won three World Championship titles.

Born in Volgograd, Russia, Isinbayeva began her athletic career as a gymnast before switching to pole vaulting at the age of 15. She quickly showed promise, and by 2003 she was clearing heights that put her among the world's elite. Her breakthrough year was 2004, when she won Olympic gold in Athens and set a new world record. She continued to dominate the sport throughout the 2000s, consistently pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible in the women's pole vault.

Isinbayeva's career was marked by her dramatic performances and her distinctive approach to competition. She was known for her confidence and her ability to perform under pressure. Her rivalry with other top vaulters, such as Svetlana Feofanova and Yuliya Golubchikova, fueled her drive to excel.

In addition to her athletic achievements, Isinbayeva was also a prominent figure in Russian sports and an ambassador for the sport of pole vaulting. She retired from professional athletics in 2016. Her legacy is that of a groundbreaking athlete who inspired a generation of pole vaulters.