Russian pole-vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva said she was "really sad" after a sixth-placed finish Tuesday at the world athletics championships in Daegu, Korea.
Isinbayeva, a five-time world champion and setter of 27 world records, failed to clear 4 meters 80 centimeters in a final won by Brazil's Fabiana Murer, who jumped 4.85. German Martina Strutz took silver with 4.80, and Isinbayeva's compatriot Svetlana Feofanova won bronze.
"I'm really sad. I was changing poles every jump. I don't know what happened," Isinbayeva said in televised comments. She cleared 4.65 early in the competition, a far cry from her best.
Isinbayeva, 29, as a double Olympic champion and current world record holder (5.06) is Russia's top track and field star, but injuries and instability with coaches have hampered her form in the latter stage of her career.
She only returned to competition earlier this year after an 11-month injury lay-off. In March, she rejoined her early mentor Yevgeny Trofimov after spending several disappointing years with the former coach of Ukrainian vaulting great Sergei Bubka, Vitaly Petrov, in Italy and Monaco.
Isinbayeva insists a return to her record-breaking form is possible, however, and says the stage will be next's year's Olympics in London.
"Of course I believe or I wouldn't compete any more," she said. "Next year is more important so I will concentrate on that."
