Eastern European gymnast or athlete (4-7)

I believe the answer is:

pole-vaulter

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'athlete' is the definition.
(I know that pole vaulter is a type of athlete)

'eastern european gymnast' is the wordplay.
'eastern european' becomes 'Pole'.
'gymnast' becomes 'vaulter' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'pole'+'vaulter'='POLE-VAULTER'

'or' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pole-vaulter that I've seen before include "High bar jumper" , "Field event competitor" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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