Yelena Isinbayeva named Russia ambassador

Yelena Isinbayeva poses with Haibao, the mascot of the Shanghai World Expo. [en.expo2010.cn]

Two-time Olympic gold medalist, Russian female pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva, has been named “Russia promotion ambassador for World Expo 2010 Shanghai” September 17, 2009.

Hong Hao, director of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, said that Isinbayeva will be the highlight during Shanghai Expo's promotions in Russia and other parts of the world through her impact in sporting and fashion circles.

Isinbayeva said that she was grateful to receive the title and she would visit the Expo next year.

She has visited Shanghai for the second time and she said she noticed the changes for the better in the city brought by preparations for Expo 2010.

Isinbayeva visited the Russia Pavilion which is under construction and revealed that she may show up to help guide some special visitors around the pavilion.

Isinbayeva will compete in this weekends' Shanghai Golden Grand Prix.

Isinbayeva set a new world record of 5.06 m outdoors in Zurich on August 28, her 27th world record.