BEIJING — Although she's only been a pole vaulter for four years, Jenn Stuczynski is the No. 2 performer in event history. Unfortunately for her gold medal chances, her competition includes world recordholder Yelena Isinbayeva of Russia.

The defending Olympic champion, Isinbayeva has set 12 outdoor world records. Her best of 16-6½ is 4 3/4 inches higher than that of Stuczynski, whose U.S. record is 16-1 3/4. Isinbayeva doesn't lose often. She had a winning streak of 23 consecutive meets this year that was broken before she claimed gold and Stuczynski silver in the world indoor championships.