Yelena Isinbayeva: Of all things record-breaking

Breaking records has been child’s play for Isinbayeva (Getty Images)

The assignments sit pretty now as world records, 28 of them, yet they never rest comfortably on Isinbayeva’s consciousness. The lady mulls on them as happy memories of hard work paying off, while a part of her tugs away at her heart, urging her to go one better. That’s an impostor, and if not taken the right way, could initiate a breakdown of psyches and careers.

At 31, she is definitely not getting younger, if her recent injuries and troubles are any indication. Her rivals have closed in on her quite a bit, even though it still appears Isinbayeva’s record could be a mirage for even her most capable opponents.

An officer in the Russian army, Isinbayeva believes it gives her greater joy to win when the body may not be the most responsive. The absolute joy of winning despite being notches below one’s best through good old grit and gumption is a heady feeling.

Her gold at the Beijing Olympics was followed by a bronze at the London Olympics; a sign of things to come. She is definitely not at the peak of her powers, but has enough to keep coming back and chip away at greatness.

Even as she waits in the wings bringing up a family, she presents a refreshing image of a sportswoman high on skill, heart and conviction, and her life could well be amongst the greatest sports careers ever put together.

Strutting her wins with the trademark flag-hugging spread-eagled pose, Isinbayeva is disarmingly shy even with her movie star like vibes. As she slips into the role of an inspiring mom, it will be a treat to watch her defy odds and come back for the Rio Olympics 2016 in the quest for an unprecedented third Olympic gold.