Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva named sportswoman of the year

Russia's record-breaking pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva has been named Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year.

Photo: Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva named sportswoman of the year

The 24-year-old broke her 20th pole vault world record when set a new indoor world record of 4.91m last February in Donetsk.

And in August she won the gold medal at the European Championships in Gothenburg with a Championship record of 4.80m.

She tried three times to achieve new world record of 5.02m but failed although rounded off her season by taking the World Cup in Athens.

Her only defeat of the year came in the Super Grand Prix meeting in Stockholm with Poland's Monika Pyrek causing the big upset.

Isinbayeva said she was delighted to be given recognition for her achievements after three nominations for the award, eurosport.com reports.

"I've been so disappointed for the last two years because I was sure I would win, but this time I've done it," said the Olympic champion.

"Winning it was always a dream of mine and now this dream has come true."

Roger Federer won his third straight Laureus sportsman of the year award today.

Federer, the world's top-ranked tennis player, won three grand slams last year and added the Australian Open in January for his 10th career major championship.

Serena Williams won the comeback of the year award for winning the Australian Open after a long injury layoff.

French tennis player Amelie Mauresmo took the breakthrough of the year award for winning her first grand slam titles last year at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, the AP reports.

Source: agencies

Prepared by Alexander Timoshik
Pravda.ru

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