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Russia's Isinbayeva Retires From Athletics After Securing Olympics Seat


Champion Russian pole-vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva, who was barred from the Rio Olympics under a blanket doping ban, has announced her retirement.

The announcement comes one day after Isinbayeva was elected as an athletes' representative on the International Olympic Committee.

The two-time gold medalist and world record holder said she is "not saying goodbye to sport, just to my sport."

Isinbayeva, who has never failed a drug test but got caught up in a ban imposed on Russia's track and field team, said her election to the IOC athlete's commission was a sign she retains the trust of her fellow athletes.

She once again criticized the IOC blanket ban on the Russian track team.

"I am proof that clean sport exists in Russia. It's nonsense to ban everyone because a few have doped," added Isinbayeva.

Isinbayeva, 34, traveled to Rio despite the ban to secure an eight-year term on the athletes' commission, which helps run the Olympics.

One of 23 candidates for the slot, Isinbayeva thanked the athletes who voted for her and promised to "protect the rights of clean athletes all over the world."

Isinbayeva won gold medals at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics.

Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters

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