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Feature: Isinbayeva emulates Bubka
The great Bubka, dressed in a sharp suit befitting his new status as a national politician, was present in the ramshackle Druzhba Auditorium to watch Isinbayeva vault. He leaped to his feet with relief and delight when Isinbayeva, accompanied by deafening rock music, cleared an indoor record 4.87 metres to pick up where she left off in 2004. Isinbayeva won a Skoda car for her efforts and in her eagerness to drive away in her new prize she opted out of the customary post-event news conference. It was left to Bubka to pay tribute. "She is an absolutely great athlete with wonderful potential," he enthused. Isinbayeva extended her mark in Birmingham, England, and again in Lievin, France, completing her indoor season with yet another world record of 4.90 at the Madrid European indoor championships. In the outdoor season the Russian, who turned 23 on June 3, took the world record to 4.93 in Lausanne and 4.95 in Madrid. Finally at London's Crystal Palace on July 22, again watched by Bubka, Isinbayeva broke the five-metre barrier. "I think she is unique," said Bubka. "It was my dream," said Isinbayeva. "I don't know how much higher I can go, maybe 5.05 metres." NEW LIFE Not so long ago Isinbayeva knew nothing about the pole
vault and had never heard of Bubka. Instead she was a gymnast in her native
Volgograd whose coach believed she had outgrown the sport and suggested she take
up the pole vault.
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