Yelena Isinbayeva seeks top Russian athletics post

Omnisports

September 28, 2016 6:15 AM

After being denied the chance to compete at Rio 2016, Yelena Isinbayeva is aiming to bring Russian athletics back into the international fold.

___5544199___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___5544199___2016___9___28___23___yelena-isinbayeva-cropped_ayaqdx4sf7731xib3kffxdpvj

Two-time Olympic pole vault champion Yelena Isinbayeva has signalled her ambition to become the next president of the All-Russia Athletic Federation (ARAF).

An ARAF election conference has been called for December 9, with incumbent president Dmitry Shlyakhtin yet to reveal whether he intends to continue in the post.

ARAF remains suspended by the IAAF and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) having been declared as non-compliant with the world anti-doping code last year.

But 34-year-old Isinbayeva, who retired in August, has vowed to try and return the organisation to the international fold.

"I've made the decision I should lead our athletic federation and restore its foothold in the IAAF," she declared.

"Of course, I will need your support. We must act together. I am certain that joint efforts will restore justice and ensure sports should be outside politics.

"I have my own plan for restoring our federation's membership of the IAAF. It will be no easy task."

Before contesting the presidency, Isinbayeva will need to secure a nomination from the track and field athletics federation of her home region of Volgograd.

She is already serving on the IOC's athlete's commission despite being denied the opportunity to compete at Rio 2016 due to the ban on Russian athletes.

Omnisports

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!