By Andy Schooler, sportinglife.com

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American Stacy Dragila triumphed in a thrilling women's pole vault final which must go down as the greatest in the event's short history.

For the first time, four jumpers went over 4.55m, but it was the world record holder who took gold, winning on countback from Russian Svetlana Feofanova.

Both went over at 4.75m and all that separated them was a second failure by Feofanova at 4.55m. She went over at the third attempt, while Dragila needed only two.

Both women had attempts at a new world record height of 4.82, but it was not to be on a day when the competition lasted almost four hours after a series of delays including a technical problem with the bar.

The pair had to fight hard to get rid of bronze medallist Monika Pyrek of Poland and Australia's Tatiana Gregorieva. In the end neither was able to clear more than 4.55, but they helped add to the incredible atmosphere the competition generated.

Britain's Janine Whitlock finished ninth, clearing 4.35m at the third attempt – just as she had done in qualifying.

But the Trafford AC athlete could not go further and despite three attempts at a new British record of 4.45 she bowed out.

Dragila said: “There were time delays between the jumps and we were getting stopped. I was getting frustrated with the officials.

“I really feel that you could have seen a world record today if they'd have kept some rhythm in the competition.”

The American was, like the crowd, left drooling over the quality of the event.

“I left there going `man, this is an awesome competition'. We all deserved to be on the podium. It was awesome for the World Championships and I hope we do start to get respect.

“Coming here I definitely wanted to jump a world record, but the most important thing was to come here and win.”

Asked if she could break the magical 16ft barrier, Dragila said: “I think the sky's the limit. There are three of us here that can keep pushing that bar higher.”