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Louise Hazel: 'IOC must review Yelena Isinbayeva ambassador role'

British heptathlete Louise Hazel says that pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva's comments regarding Russia's anti-gay laws are unacceptable.

British heptathlete Louise Hazel has called for the International Olympic Committee to review Yelena Isinbayeva's role as an ambassador for the Youth Olympics.

The Russian pole vaulter defended her country's controversial anti-gay laws at a press conference after winning gold at the World Championships in Moscow.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games champion told BBC Sport: "The International Olympic Committee should revise her position. It should be their first point of call after the championships are over.

"I think it's really important that there's a review of what she's said and that the IOC really look and question whether that is in line with their values and their beliefs.

"A role model is somebody we can look to for inspiration and also to imitate. You're not supposed to exclude anyone and that's what she's done in making these comments. I would be worried if my children or the next generation of athletes were looking to Yelena Isinbayeva and thinking that these comments are acceptable. Quite simply, I don't think they are."

Isinbayeva has won three World Championship golds and is a two-time Olympic champion.

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Sian Cowper
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Yelena Isinbayeva on the podium after receiving her gold medal for the women's pole vault during the World Championships on August 15, 2013
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