Isinbayeva may not call it a day

Russian women's pole vaulting great, Yelena Isinbayeva, hinted on Sunday that she might not retire even if she wins a third world outdoor title on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old, two-time Olympic champion, who has revolutionized the event in the same way Ukrainian Sergey Bubka did the men's in the 1980s and 1990s, said in July she would call time on her career after the championships on home turf in Moscow.

However, after qualifying for the final, she said her mind might not be made up.

"I do not think about the end of my career as I am a Gemini," she said. "Gemini people can change their minds very easily."

As for her chances of winning her first major global title since Olympic gold in 2008, she said she would need the home support.

"However, they can just cheer for me, I have to do everything else," said Isinbayeva, who has set 28 world records and still holds the outdoor one of 5.06m.

Earlier, Bubka, who is the head of the organizing committee of the championships in Moscow, said Isinbayeva would have the best stage of all to bow out on in front of her home crowd.

"Isinbayeva's appearing here is a very interesting and great story," the Ukrainian said.

"I think she's positive, happy and ready to perform really well."

Agence France-Presse

(China Daily 08/13/2013 page23)