WC Women's Finals - Other Articles

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http://www.iaaf.org/WCH05/news/Kind=16/ ... 31565.html

Flash Interviews - Women Pole Vault Final
Friday 12 August 2005

Gold Medallist - Yelena ISINBAYEVA, RUS
"I'm extremely happy and satisfied with the WR and the gold medal in the World Championships."

"I was very concerned about the weather this morning. But I am a positive and smiling person and I'm sure it helps me a lot."

"Today the world record height seemed to be extremely high. It was really difficult to jump at that height. I'm sure I'll be able to clear 5.02m still during this season. Anyhow, Helsinki was my main competition this year and my training was aimed for this competition. Becoming a World Champion was not a dream, but the target."

"I want to thank my dearest; mother, father and sister and all those who are close and love me. I can only be extremely happy for this performance."

"I will relax this evening, maybe I'll go to some night club and dance."

Silver Medallist - Monika PYREK, POL
"Yesterday was my 25th birthday and they call it the silver birthday. Now I was second so silver is my colour."

"The conditions were disasterous for pole vaulting. I am so light the wind causes me big problems. I even lowered my starting height to 4.20 because I wanted to make sure I find the right feeling."

"It was hard to concentrate for the final because they postponed it for two days. I just had to wait and wait, and spend time with my friends."

"It was nice to jump in front of this crowd. It was so supportive even if you were jumping the low heights. I am so happy they helped me."

"This is like a victory for me. ISINBAYEVA is technically so good, like Sergey BUBKA. I don't really think I could beat her."

Bronze Medallist - Pavla HAMACKOVA, CZE
"You cannot guess how satisfied I am. I quit pole vault after Athens, which was a disappointment after the surgery I had. I went to work, and never thought I could make a come back like this. I started training again in december and I feel I am not quite ready yet."

"I have been concentrating on my approach in my training so there is still a lot to do when I am clearing the bar. I had a good try at 4.60m but couldn't turn up there like I should have."

"Now I just enjoy jumping. I will not make any descisions for the future. The injury taught me so much about sport and life. I could stop right now."