Isinbayeva still Olympic ambassador

Published Oct. 21, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Russian pole vault star Yelena Isinbayeva will remain an ambassador for the Youth Olympics.

Isinbayeva condemned homosexuality last August at the world championships, saying Russians have "normal" heterosexual relations. The next day, Isinbayeva said her comments in English may have been misunderstood and that she is against any discrimination.

Asked whether it was appropriate for Isinbayeva to serve as an Olympic ambassador, former IOC President Jacques Rogge said last month her role could possibly be reconsidered. But IOC spokesman Andrew Mitchell said Monday that Isinbayeva had clarified "that she is against any discrimination."

The IOC also announced Monday that American golfer Michelle Wie will serve as an ambassador for the Youth Games, which will be held in Nanjing, China, on Aug. 16-28. Golf will make its debut in the event before returning at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Wie helped campaign for the sport's inclusion.