Defending champion Elena Isinbaeva won the women's pole vault on Monday with a new world record of 5.05-meters. The Russian has established herself not only as the undisputed number one female pole vaulter, but also as an idol in the hearts of her countrymen.

The thunderous applause in the Bird's Nest Monday turned out not to be for much anticipated hurdler Liu Xiang. Instead, an ecstatic Elena Isinbaeva of Russia was the recipient of the uproar for her world record breaking pole vault. Her performance captured the hearts of millions of viewers.