Former Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva, 43 years old, considered by several international publications to be the partner of Russian President Vladimir Putin, is at the center of a large-scale scandal just a few days before the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship, notes the Bild publication.
The competition is scheduled for May 27–31, in Varna, on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria, in the Palace of Sports and Culture.
Accusations of favoritism in the selection of sportswomen
According to the cited source, the parents of some gymnasts who were not selected for the Russian team accuse that the selection process was flawed, claiming that the athletes from Alina Kabaeva’s private academy would have been advantaged.
They publicly demand the revision of the list of participants, invoking possible influences of circles close to the Kremlin and nepotistic practices in the designation of sportswomen who will represent Russia at the international competition.
Although the allegations have not been officially confirmed, they have fueled strong tensions around the Russian team, already affected by international restrictions.
Russia, under a neutral flag in Europe
Russia will participate in the European Championship under a neutral flag, as a result of the sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine. However, domestic controversies regarding the selection of athletes continue to overshadow preparations for the competition.
Discontent also exploded on social media in Russia. On the VKontakte platform, users publicly accuse alleged favoritism and lack of transparency in the selection process. On Telegram, harsh comments appeared against the former sportswoman, including critical messages and accusations of excessive influence in sports structures.
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The alleged love affair with Putin
Alina Kabaeva is one of the most successful rhythmic gymnasts in history, with a gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games and a bronze medal at Sydney 2000. After retiring from the activity, she became involved in coaching and launched a private rhythmic gymnastics academy in 2022, where she trains young athletes and frequently publishes images and messages of support for their performances on social networks.
Over the years, Alina Kabaeva’s name has been associated in the international press with Vladimir Putin, but the Kremlin has consistently denied the existence of a relationship. Speculations regarding her private life, including information about children, have also appeared in various journalistic investigations, but these have not been officially confirmed by the authorities.
Vladimir Putin and Alina Kabaeva would have two sons together, Ivan (10) and Vladimir (6), wrote the Dossier Center, an investigative fund founded by opposition politician Mikhail Khodorkovsky.
According to Blick, a Swiss doctor assisted Kabaeva during the two births, the first time in Lugano, in 2015, then in Moscow, in 2019. The little ones live in the isolated presidential residence in Valdai, northwest of the country, they have bodyguards from the presidential guard, nannies, private tutors and private teachers, paid 7,700 euros per month. The Kremlin leader and his secret girlfriend use the Sochi palace to meet.
The Kremlin has never confirmed Putin’s alleged relationship with Alina Kabaeva. On several occasions, the press secretary of the Russian president, Dmitry Peskov, denied the rumors: “They are just simple Saturday jokes on the Internet.” Around that time there were reports that Putin and Kabaeva were planning to marry at the Iverski Monastery in Valdai.
In parallel, the former sportsman was previously a member of the State Duma and led an important pro-Kremlin media group, consolidating his influence in the Russian public space.
A scandal that overshadows the competition
Just a few days before the start of the European Championship, the controversy surrounding the selection of the Russian team adds additional pressure on the delegation, in a context already strained by international sanctions and the geopolitical climate.
It remains to be seen if the sports authorities will publicly respond to the allegations or if the list of participants will be revised before the start of the competition.
