Yelena Isinbayeva elected to IOC athletes' commission

Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva has decided to retire from competing following her election to the International Olympic Committee athletes' commission.

Isinbayeva, a two-time Olympic gold medallist, was heavily critical of the IAAF's ban on all but one of Russia's track and field athletes for the Rio 2016 Games.

The world record holder, 34, has now opted to end her athletics career in order to focus on her new role on the commission.

"Today in Rio on August 19 2016, Yelena Isinbayeva is finishing her professional career," she told a news conference on Friday.

"Yesterday's election to the IOC commission inspired me. It means I am not saying goodbye to the sport. I say goodbye to the pole, to my medals. I fulfilled my dreams."

Isinbayeva also says she is mulling over an offer to head Russia's athletics federation with the aim of getting the nation's IAAF ban lifted.

"I have received an offer to head up the federation," she added. "It is an interesting offer but it is also a serious challenge.

"When I get back from the Olympics I will meet the president of the federation. We will talk about my future role.

"I find it very interesting. I think I can bring the federation back into the IAAF fold."