By David Gold

Yelena Isinbaeva_of_RussiaAugust 13 - Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva, who missed out on a third successive Olympic gold, has said that she is thinking of going on to the next Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 rather than retire.

Isinbayeva had planned to call it a day after London 2012, but was stunned in the final last week by America's Jenn Suhr, who jumped 4.75 metres.

The Russian was nowhere near her world record of 5.06m, and finished behind Cuba's Yarisley Silva, who also cleared 4.75m, in third.

Isinbayeva would have been the first women ever to win three gold medals in a row in the same individual track and sport event.

"My decision is changing every day," said the 30-year-old, admitting that she was in a quandary over what to do next.

"Today I say, I will stop, but I will wake up tomorrow and say, I will continue.

"I think this bronze tells me: Elena, don't quit, as I had planned to quit after London.

"I don't want to retire with a bronze medal so maybe I will think about Rio so at least I can get my gold medal there and then decide."

Yelena Isinbayeva_of_Russia_in_London_2012_pole_vaultYelena Isinbayeva managed to clear 4.70m to take bronze in the London 2012 pole vault

With the World Athletics Championships in Moscow next year, Isinbayeva will hope to return to the top of her sport on home soil, but insists she does not want to think that far ahead just yet.

"I don't know about Moscow," she said.

"Of course I will be there anyway.

"I'd like some rest but for now I do not know anything.

"I am just glad the Olympics are finished as it was so stressful."

Isinbayeva had taken a break from the sport before returning last year, and claimed the world indoor title in March, but had been suffering from a torn muscle in the build up to London 2012.

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