Steve Hooker of Australia jubilates during the men's pole vault final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Steve Hooker won the title with 5.96 metres and set a new Olympic record. (Xinhua/Jiao Weiping) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Australian pole vaulter Steve Hooker topped a new Olympic height of 5.96 meters on Friday evening, winning his first gold medal.

    He cleared the new height in his second attempt.

    Russian Evgeny Lukyanenko failed all his attempts for 5.90 meters and won the silver medal with a result of 5.85 meters.

    Denys Yurchenko of Ukraine finished third at 5.70 meters.

Steve Hooker of Australia competes during the men's pole vault final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Steve Hooker won the title with 5.96 metres and set a new Olympic record.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>