Sports Thread #1 For 8/17/09: In Shocker, Yelena Isinbayeva Doesn't Even Model In The Pole Vault

Photo from AFP/GettyImages Oliver Morin

It was fascinating and slightly stunningly for Usain Bolt to run 9.58 yesterday.

But it was absolutely shocking for Yelena Isinbayeva to do anything but win the event that has made her an international starlet outside the track. That actually happened today, and the aftershock is still stinging her, her fans, and the rest of the athletic community.

In the pole vault finals, the Russian superstar looked more than just ordinary in what has made her arguably the most dominant athlete on the planet. In fact, she looked absolutely awful.

Isinbayeva failed to clear a single height on this night in Berlin, leaving the gold medal to Poland's and Athens' 2004 sliver medalist Anna Rogowska. Young American Chelsea Johnson took bronze as Poland took the top two models with Monica Pyrek getting the runner up to her countrywoman.

Those three fine performances by Rogowska, Pyrek, and Johnson themselves however were a clear second fiddle to the stunning event that took place with Isinbayeva.

“Of course it is really disappointing because my purpose was to win all my world championships until I retire because I am able to do it. If I would stay at the top then maybe next year I would be more relaxed. It is more important for me to be ready for the Olympic games in 2012.”

But this is not the first time Rogowska has beaten this legend, and not the first time this summer either.

There was a hint of trouble brewing for Isinbayeva last month, when she was handed her first defeat in six years, losing to Anna Rogowska of Poland on countback at the London Grand Prix.

Thankfully, this great champion didn't use excuses despite showing tears after defeat

“I don’t have an explanation, that’s what makes it difficult. If it was a physical problem I could explain it to you. I am 100% healthy I don’t have any problems."

Now some will shed no tears from Isinbayeva, as they have felt that she has shown arrogance in her domination.

Even so though, it was a result and event that shocked all of us in the track and field world.

In other news, Shelly Ann Fraser has added a world championship to her Olympic title from last year, getting off to a great start and leaving the rest of the field to win the 100 meters.

And Tyson Gay won't be in the 200 meters thanks to his groin.