The prestigious Prince of Asturias awards have taken place today in Oviedo in Spain.

There are 8 awards every year for great human feats and today was the seventh of eighth: this time for sporting achievement. Last year’s winner was Rafael Nadal. President of the jury Juan Antonio Samaranch announced 2009 belonged to: Yelena Isinbayeva. Yelena has been described as the queen of global athletics. She was born in Volgograd in Russia in 1982 and was the first female pole vaulter to clear the 5 metre barrier. In all she has created 27 world records. Critics say she crashed back to earth last month having been defeated at Crystal Palace in london But overall experts agree Ms Isinbayeva Yelena is an outstanding athelete on the world stage.More about: Prince of Asturias Awards, Russia, Sport

Copyright © 2012 euronews