Isinbayeva on top of world

Isinbayeva, who amasses world records at the same rate as former men's champion Sergei Bubka, defied windy conditions to win with 4.91 metres, bettering her own mark by one centimetre.

Feofanova, the world champion last summer in Paris, was second with 4.75 and Anna Rogowska of Poland took the bronze with 4.70.

It was Isinbayeva's seventh world record this year yet the 22-year-old had been close to tears moments earlier, holding her head in her hands.

Her dramatic victory came from an inspired gamble.

In bronze medal position and one jump away from defeat after failing at 4.70 and 4.75, and with Feofanova and Rogowska ahead of her, Isinbayeva moved the bar up to 4.80 and cleared majestically, earning one of the biggest roars of the night from a sell-out Olympic stadium.

She emphasised her domination by clearing 4.85 on her first attempt, and then sailed over the world record height -- again on her first try -- before breaking down in tears of joy.

"There is a time when a height doesn't work for me," she told Eurosport. "But as soon as I'm actually able to clear it, nobody can catch me."

"I am in shock, I can't believe it. I was accustomed to beating the world record but this gold medal goes way beyond."

Her feat -- the first athletics world record in Athens -- impressed Feofanova so much that the pair, who have publicly admitted they don't get along, exchanged friendly words and smiles after the event.

The Russians both started the competition at 4.40 and cleared without scares up to 4.65, Feofanova looking the more tense while Isinbayeva, soaring over each time, won the crowd over with smiles and blown kisses.

But Isinbayeva inexplicably dislodged the bar on the way down at 4.70 and failed again at 4.75.

Close to tears, she covered herself with a towel to compose herself before her triumphant finale.

"I am thrilled and delighted that Sergei Bubka is rooting for me," she added with a smile. "I am definitely trying to imitate his style to be the female Sergei Bubka."