Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva is a two-time Olympic gold medalist (2004 and 2008), a five-time world champion, and the current world record holder in pole vaulting. Not surprisingly, she is considered the greatest female pole vaulter in the world.
However, she didn't begin her career as a pole vaulter! Isinbayeva took up gymnastics at age 5 and kept at if for 10 years, only giving it up when she grew too tall to pursue a career as a professional gymnast.
