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Jun 17, 20261
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Elena Isinbayeva Thanks Alexander Karelin for Support
Two-time Olympic pole vault champion Elena Isinbayeva publicly expressed gratitude to three-time Olympic wrestling champion Alexander Karelin for his support and encouragement. Karelin had previously declared Isinbayeva a unique representative of Russia and urged an end to criticism of the athlete.



Quick Facts
Who
Elena Isinbayeva
What
Isinbayeva thanked Karelin for support via Instagram post
When
June 17, 2026
Where
Spain - Isinbayeva residence
- Isinbayeva thanked Karelin for support via Instagram post
- Karelin publicly supported Isinbayeva and called for end to criticism
- Isinbayeva's IOC Athletes' Commission term ended after Paris Olympics
- Elena Isinbayeva
- Alexander Karelin
Elena Isinbayeva, the two-time Olympic champion in pole vault living in Spain, has publicly thanked Alexander Karelin, a three-time Olympic wrestling champion, for his support and words of encouragement. In an Instagram post, Isinbayeva expressed her gratitude for Karelin's authority, honesty, and personal support during a period marked by what she described as noise and unfounded criticism. She praised Karelin as not only a sports legend admired by millions but also a person of exceptional nobility and genuine wisdom, emphasizing that his friendly support and sports solidarity mean immensely to her.
Karelin had previously stated to Russian news agency RIA Novosti that Isinbayeva is a unique daughter of Russia and called for an end to condemnation of the athlete. His public backing came at a time when Isinbayeva has faced scrutiny related to her position in international sports governance. Isinbayeva was elected to the International Olympic Committee's Athletes' Commission in August 2016 for an eight-year term, which concluded following the Paris Olympic Games.
The exchange between the two decorated athletes reflects solidarity within the Russian sporting community during what Isinbayeva characterized as a challenging period. Isinbayeva won Olympic gold medals in pole vault at the 2004 Athens Games and the 2008 Beijing Games, and claimed bronze at the 2012 London Olympics before transitioning to international sports administration roles.
Why This Matters
This exchange demonstrates how international sports figures publicly stand in solidarity during periods of scrutiny or controversy. For readers following Russian athletics and Olympic politics, it highlights the personal and professional support networks within the sporting community, particularly as Isinbayeva transitions from competing to governance roles at the International Olympic Committee. Understanding these public endorsements provides insight into how elite athletes navigate complex geopolitical and institutional challenges.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2004
WireIsinbayeva wins Olympic gold in pole vault at Athens Games
Jan 1, 2008
WireIsinbayeva wins Olympic gold in pole vault at Beijing Games
Jan 1, 2012
WireIsinbayeva wins bronze medal in pole vault at London Olympics
Jan 1, 2024
WireIsinbayeva's IOC Athletes' Commission term concludes after Paris Olympics
Jun 17, 2026
WireIsinbayeva publicly thanks Karelin for support on Instagram