Born: 1982 (Volgograd, Russia)
Yelena Gadzhievna Isinbayeva (Russian: , IPA: [jln gdjvn snbajv]; born 3 June 1982) is a Russian former pole vaulter. She is a two-time Olympic gold medalist (2004 and 2008), a three-time World Champion (2005, 2007, and 2013), the world record holder in the event, and is widely considered the greatest female pole-vaulter of all time.
Isinbayeva was born in Volgograd, Russia to a Tabasaran father and a Russian mother. She began her athletic career as a gymnast, training from the age of 5 to 15. However, she ultimately left the sport due to her height, as she was considered too tall to be competitive in gymnastics, reaching a height of 1.74 meters (5 ft 8.5 in).
At the age of 16, Isinbayeva transitioned to pole vaulting and quickly rose to success. Just six months after taking up the sport, she secured her first major victory at the 1998 World Youth Games in Moscow, Russia, clearing a height of 4.00 meters. This marked only her third athletic competition. She went on to jump the same height at the 1998 World Junior Championships in Athletics in Annecy, France but narrowly missed out on a medal.
Isinbayeva’s breakthrough year came in 2003 when she set a new world indoor record of 4.82 meters. This success was followed by two Olympic gold medals in 2004 and 2008, solidifying her status as the dominant force in women’s pole vaulting. She also won three World Championships in 2005, 2007, and 2013, further cementing her legacy as one of the greatest athletes in the sport.
In addition to her Olympic and World Championship titles, Isinbayeva has set numerous world records. She became the first woman to clear the five-meter barrier in 2005 and went on to set a world record of 5.06 meters outdoors in Zurich in August 2009, a record that still stands to this day. Indoors, her world record of 5.01 meters stood for over a year.
Isinbayeva’s achievements have earned her numerous accolades and recognition. She was named Female Athlete of the Year by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) in 2004, 2005, and 2008. She was also named World Sportswoman of the Year by the Laureus World Sports Awards in 2007 and 2009. In 2009, she was awarded the Prince of Asturias Award for Sports.
Despite her remarkable success on the track, Isinbayeva faced challenges later in her career. She took a year-long break from the sport in 2010 following disappointing performances at the world championships in 2009 and 2010. However, she returned to competition and continued to break records and win championships.
Unfortunately, Isinbayeva’s career was marred by controversy surrounding Russia’s state-sponsored doping program. As a result, she was banned from competing in the 2016 Rio Olympics, which dashed her hopes of a grand retirement after winning another Olympic gold medal. In August 2016, she announced her retirement from athletics after being elected to serve an 8-year term on the IOC’s Athletes’ Commission.
Throughout her career, Isinbayeva has been an inspiration to aspiring athletes around the world, particularly women. She has shattered records, overcome challenges, and consistently pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible in women’s pole vaulting. Her impact on the sport, as well as her contributions to women’s history, cannot be overstated.
Awards:
– Two-time Olympic gold medalist (2004 and 2008)
– Three-time World Champion (2005, 2007, and 2013)
– World record holder in the pole vault event (5.06 meters outdoors and 5.01 meters indoors)
– Female Athlete of the Year (IAAF): 2004, 2005, and 2008
– World Sportswoman of the Year (Laureus World Sports Awards): 2007 and 2009
– Prince of Asturias Award for Sports: 2009