TUMO6566@aol.com London, UK

SVETLANA FEOFANOVA:
THE LEADING LIGHT IN WOMEN'S POLE VAULT

Svetlana Feofanova

fter winning her latest title at Antwerp a few weeks ago, world number two tennis player, Venus Williams threw an open challenge to her number one seeded sibling with these words: "Come on Serena, I know you're watching", and for Manchester United's boss, Sir Alex Fergusson, the 2-0 defeat the Reds suffered in the hands of Arsene Wenger's Arsenal in the fifth round of the FA cup at Old Trafford some saturdays back, was so frustrating that he kicked a boot that landed on David Beckham and the latter needed a surgeon's needle and thread to take care of the cut above his right eye. The bottom line is, there's only one slot for number one and naturally, anyone who has ever occupied it wants to get back at the earliest opportunity.

You wouldn't read where any pole vaulter threw a challenge - either secretly or in public - at Russia's Svetlana Feofanova. Neither did former world indoor champion, Czechoslovakian Pavla Hamackova bother to display any outward rage when she was being dethroned on february 2 at the Kevin Hall in Glasgow. The handwriting was already on the wall that, there's a new kid on the block and without taking anything away from her rivals, Feofanova is in a class of her own. Having broken the world indoor record five times last year, she's being regarded as: "One of the most dominant players in athletics right now" and: "The leading light in the ever improving women's pole vault", according to an analysist. For many, it is simply: "Feofanova and others," when it comes to women's pole vault.

It would be erroneous to attribute her historic feat to talent alone. Recently, double world record holder in 200m and 400m, Michael Johnson, gave an insight on how he was able to stay head and shoulders above the rest of the pack during his illustrious career. The American listed three things: "God - given talent, hard work and taking right decisions" as the blueprint of his achievements. So, wishes are not horses, otherwise, every beggar in town would have taken to polo. She After setting the world record for a sixth time - with the accompanying $50,000 bonus incentive - and receiving a thunderous standing ovation from the knowledgeable crowd, I asked for the secret of her success, and through her manager/interpreter, she replied: "I train six hours everyday and I do that five days in a week."

Yes, it took just one effort to make the 4.70 jump of olympic champion, America's Stacy Dragila look ordinary and having entered the Guinness book of records again with 4.76, Feofanova wouldn't give up, three unsuccessful attempts at a higher height would not deter her either. She still feels happy knowing the season has only just begun:"It's a great feeling, especially in winter, it's great."

Although she revealed that her target is to reach the 4.90 mark, but she's being modest about the time this would happen. Should we expect something different at the World Indoor championships in Birmingham next month? "Yes I hope so? Even if she doesn't, she still has a long way to go and considering that she'll be 23 in summer, her five year stint in the sport has definitely changed the face of women's pole vault.

While admitting that "It's easier to spend than earn," she told me despite creating time to have some luxury, her training is giving her a peculiar problem" I buy fashionable clothes but doesn't have the time to wear them". It's one problem many would wish they had, but that is: "Her cross," and it seems she can bear it.

She wants to extend her firm grip on the event to the outdoor season and for this, she said: "I'm training hard so as to raise the standard". She was teased with a joke that having broken the world record and secured a five figured pay cheque, why was she attempting another jump, knowing that there wouldn't be another bonus for that from the organisers:" I'm not bothered", she replied, shrugging her shoulder and holding firmly to her shining medal.