Elena Isinbayeva Thanks Alexander Karelin for Support

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.