Anna Rogowska of Poland was the defending champion, while 2008 Olympic champion Yelena Isinbayeva had returned to form after a career break in 2010. American Jennifer Suhr had the two best clearances prior to the competition and Martina Strutz was ranked second in the world behind her. Silke Spiegelburg (the Diamond League leader), world indoor champion Fabiana Murer and Olympic medalist Svetlana Feofanova were the other main potential medalists.