Pole vault tsarina Elena Isinbaeva on Monday evening cleared the new world record of 5.05 meters, winning her second Olympic gold medal almost with no efforts.
With only two successful jumps, the defending Olympic gold medalist and world champion secured the gold. On the fifth attempt, she broke the Olympic record which was created by herself four years ago in Athens. The 26-year-old pole vaulter eventually overcame her 24th world record of 5.05 meters.
Isinbaeva's closest follower, Jennifer Stuczynski of the United States, who jumped over 4.80 meters, got the silver medal. The American's personal best in 2008 was 4.92 meters.
Another Russian Svetlana Feofanova, has long vaulted in Isinbaeva's shadow, finished third with 4.75 meters.
Since taking home the Athens Olympic gold in 2004, Isinbaeva has dominated the pole vault jump, including two world record-breaking jumps in 2008 with 5.03 meters in Rome and then 5.04 meters in Monaco.
During her complete reigning in the field, she also added the gold medals from the 2005 and 2007 world championships and the 2006 European championships.
(Xinhua News Agency August 18, 2008)