Isinbayeva (pictured top) won gold at the last two Olympic Games, at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.

She has also broken 30 world records during her career, and has set her sights on beating Ukrainian legend Sergey Bubka's record of 35 pole before quitting.

The 29-year-old, the women's world number one from 2005 to 2009, admitted that the effects of training helped sway her decision.

"For me, I decide that another two years and then I will retire," Isinbayeva told Laureus, which has awarded Isinbayeva its World Sportswoman of the Year Award on two occasions.

She also said during the interview that "it is my dream" to be a three-times Laureus winner.

Isinbayeva continued: "Training becomes difficult and, of course, every year the body is getting older it becomes harder and harder to prepare for the competition.

"In London, my main competitor will be myself because I know how high I can jump and I know that height is almost impossible for my rivals.

"I am not worrying about the Olympics – I am confident because I know that right now everything is fine in my life."


Talking of the influence of Bubka (pictured above) on her career Isinbayeva said: "Sergey was a role model – he was a star at the time I was starting.

"It was my goal from the beginning to set up 36 world records - I would like to make one more than Sergey did."

Among those records Isinbayeva particularly wants to break is her existing world outdoor benchmark of 5.06 metres, originally set in August 2009.

"My coach says that my potential is 5.10 metres and higher so that right now, and with my present preparation, I am able to jump 5.10m."

Isinbayeva was a gymnast during her childhood before taking up the pole vault at the age of 15.

She took a break from the sport in 2010 but since returning has shown the form that brought her two Olympic and two World Championship golds.

Isinbayeva also struck gold at the World Indoor Championships last month in Istanbul, and insists that has given her renewed optimism ahead of London 2012.

"My winter season started fantastically well," she said.

"My victory in the World Indoor Championships in Istanbul gives me more confidence for the Olympic Games in London.

"It's such a great feeling to come back to the same level as I was before.

"It's great to feel again that I am able to jump five metres and higher."

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