Yelena Isinbayeva

Biography

Yelena Isinbayeva broke the pole vault world record 28 times — more than any athlete in any field event in history. Two Olympic golds (2004, 2008), one World Championship gold, and a career that transformed women's pole vault from a curiosity into a marquee event. The Russian champion was the female Bubka — dominant, prolific with records, and the face of her event for over a decade. She pushed the bar to 5.06m, a height that remains the benchmark.

Career Highlights

• 2 Olympic golds (2004, 2008)
• 28 world records (most in any field event)
• WR 5.06m indoor
• 1 World Championship gold
• Transformed women's pole vault

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