Russia's pole vault queen Yelena Isinbaeva said Monday the bronze she won at the London Games was a sign she must shelve her plans to retire.
Isinbaeva, a double Olympic champion and 28-time world record setter, came off a subpar season and sixth place at the 2011 world championships to clinch third place in Monday's Olympic final, which was won by America's Jenn Suhr.
"I think this bronze tells me 'Elena, don't quit', as I planned to quit after London," the 30-year-old superstar said.
Isinbaeva could be persuaded to continue because the next world athletics championships are on home soil in Moscow.
"I don't know about Moscow. Of course I will be there anyway. I'd like some rest but for now I don't know anything. I am just glad the Olympics are finished as it was so stressful."
As for the bronze, which she took with a best effort of 4.75 meters, far below her world record of 5.06, Isinbaeva said: "It is like a gold medal for me."
"It has been a lot of things in the past which have been disappointing for three years."
