Russia's [Images] Yelena Isinbayeva won the gold medal in the Olympic [Images] women's pole vault on Monday and then broke her own world record when she leapt 5.05 metres.

Jennifer Stuczynski of the United States won silver medal with 4.80m and Svetlana Feofanova took the bronze with a best jump of 4.75m.

Isinbayeva, who won gold in Athens four years ago and has dominated the sport since, spent most of the competition lying under her towel relaxing and did not take her first jump until 4.70.

The current world champion, took just her second jump at 4.85m and that was enough for her to retain her Olympic title.

Isinbayeva then jumped 4.95m at the third attempt and set up the bar to try and defeat her own world record of 5.04m and delighted the crowd when she did so at the third attempt.