The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced today that two-time Olympic champion Yelena Isinbaeva will be an official Ambassador of the Nanjing (China) 2014 Youth Olympic Games (YOG).

The Russian pole vaulter will reprise her role as a YOG Ambassador, following her support and attendance of the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games, which saw over 3,600 elite young athletes from 205 National Olympic Committees compete while also taking part in a unique Culture and Education Programme off the field of play. The Youth Olympic Games also encourage young people around the world to get involved in sport and embrace and live by the Olympic values.
 

Speaking at an event held in Nanjing, where Yelena Isinbaeva enjoyed a tour of the Athletics Stadium and gave a masterclass to young athletes, the YOG Ambassador said: “I am very happy and honoured to continue in my role as a YOG Ambassador for the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games. The Youth Olympic Games are a great platform for young athletes, which I experienced first-hand at the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games."
 

"As well as these Games preparing them for their future sports careers by exposing them to all that comes with a high-level international multi-sports event, such as living in a village and the media interest, I saw for myself how the athletes made the most of the opportunities to make friends with different athletes from different countries, to experience different cultures and to really live the YOG spirit.”