Russian legend Yelena Isinbayeva set a new world record of women's pole vault at 5.06 meters in the Golden League meet here on Friday. Breaking the outdoor record for the 15th time, Isinbayeva bounced back from losing her world title in Berlin athletics worlds.
The previous mark of 5.05 meters was made by Isinbayeva in Beijing last year when she won her second Olympic gold medal. She has broken the world outdoor and indoor records 27 times.
Yelena Isinbayeva of Russia poses next to the scoreboard after breaking her own women's pole vault world record during the IAAF Golden League athletics meeting at the Letzigrund stadium in Zurich August 28, 2009
"I was fresh, I was aiming for the record," Isinbayeva said at Letzigrund Stadium. Isinbayeva passed the first five heights, then cleared 4.71 in her first attempt and did the same at 4.81, which assured her of victory over Anna Rogowska of Poland, who won gold in Berlin but had to settle for second at 4.76.
"I was surprised it was so easy," Isinbayeva said. "I feel great. It's really unbelievable just after such a great defeat in Berlin but I'm happy that I was defeated otherwise I wouldn't be so hungry for the world record."
Yelena Isinbayeva of Russia blows a kiss during the IAAF Golden League athletics meeting at the Letzigrund stadium in Zurich August 28, 2009