‘Supermum’ Yelena Isinbayeva aiming for golden farewell at Rio 2016 Olympic Games
Russia’s ‘first lady of the pole vault’ targeting another world record as she prepares to return to action after giving birth to her daughter
Isinbayeva celebrates breaking the world record on her way to gold in Beijing (Getty Images/Michael Steele)
Yelena Isinbayeva is the latest global superstar to express her desire to shine at the Rio 2016 Games. The Russian, one of the greatest pole-vaulters of all time, is aiming to win a third gold medal – and perhaps break the world record – at what will be her final Olympic Games.
The 33-year-old has not competed since the 2013 world athletics championships, when she won her ninth senior global title, and has since given birth to her daughter Eva in June 2014. The 2004 and 2008 Olympic champion, who had to settle for bronze at London 2012, returned to training in January this year and plans to start competing again in February 2016.
The world record holder outlined a number of events in Russia and USA that she hopes to contest next year, but her main focus is Rio. “We won’t rush to get back because our main goal is to be ready for the Olympic Games in Rio,” she said in an interview with the IAAF website.
“And it’s not only the Olympic Games; I’m also dreaming about another world record,” she added. “After experiencing that feeling several times in the past, you want to do it again. That would be one of the emotional highlights of my career.”
Isinbayeva joins a list of sporting icons who plan to make their mark at Rio 2016:
Usain Bolt aiming to break 19-second barrier in 200m at Rio 2016 Olympic Games
Michael Phelps announces he wants to compete at Rio 2016 Olympic Games
‘I’m out to break Michael Phelps’s world records at Rio 2016 Olympic Games,’ says Chad le Clos
Roger Federer says playing at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games will be ‘wonderful’
Novak Djokovic says winning medal at Rio 2016 Olympic Games is a priority
Neymar aiming to help Brazil end home jinx by winning Olympic gold at Rio 2016 Games
Jessica Ennis-Hill aiming for mother of all wins at Rio 2016 Olympic Games
‘Teams are going to be coming after us at Rio 2016,’ says USA football legend Carli Lloyd
USA basketball star Kyrie Irving dreaming of playing at Rio 2016 Olympic Games
Lin Dan focused on returning to top of badminton podium at Rio 2016 Olympic Games
