Sochi organizing committee spokeswoman Svetlana Bobrova said the body had no reason to comment on Isinbayeva's statements about the painted fingernails.

MOSCOW -- Pole vault great Yelena Isinbayeva condemned homosexuality Thursday after criticizing competitors who painted their fingernails in rainbow colours to support gays and lesbians in the face of a new anti-gay law in Russia. At least two Swedish athletes competed Thursday with their fingernails painted in rainbow colours at Luzhniki Stadium, the venue that also hosted the 1980 Moscow Olympics. The IAAF, the sport's governing body, said both opinions should be respected. "Gold is gold.

"Now that I'm done doing that job, if there's something I can do, if this gives me a platform to voice my opinion and speak out about the atrocities that I've seen here, that's what I'd like to do." (Instagram / emmagreentregaro)Sweden's Emma Green Tregaro competes in the women's high jump event at the Golden Gala IAAF athletic meeting in this June 2013 photo.


Enjoy this video with the Anthem!

When the Russian anthem began, Isinbayeva started singing but soon broke down, burying her face in her hands.

She quickly regained her composure and kissed her medal while the anthem continued. The Russian, who won her third world title Tuesday in front of a boisterous home crowd, came out in favour of the law which has drawn sharp criticism and led Western activists to call for a boycott of next year's Winter Olympics in the Russian resort of Sochi. DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Three medalists on the victory lap. "If we allow to promote and do all this stuff on the street, we are very afraid about our nation because we consider ourselves like normal, standard people," Isinbayeva, a two-time Olympic champion, said in English.
"Sidorova and Morris were the standouts from the start, clearing every height up to 4.90 meters on the first attempt. American middle-distance runner Nick Symmonds, who won the silver medal in the 800 metres on Tuesday, blasted Isinbayeva for her comments. She was part of the team that helped Russia win the right to host the 2018 World Cup. A rainbow flag is often used as a symbol of gay rights and gay pride, an issue that has gained attention from Western activists and entertainers since Russia's anti-gay law was passed in June. Still the world record holder, Isinbayeva is a national hero in Russia and an influential critic of doping investigations into Russian sports.Sidorova was previously considered a solid performer whose biggest win was the 2014 European title.

I bought it before I left, and thought I'll come back and eat it all.