Putin's alleged partner stirs controversy in Russian sports
Alina Kabaeva, the alleged partner of Vladimir Putin, has gained significant influence in Russian sports in recent years. According to reports by "BBC News," her actions have sparked controversy due to the granting of special privileges. Here are the details.
Alina Kabaeva, a former rhythmic gymnast, has held key roles in Russian sports since 2022. Consequently, she has become quite popular in Russia, which has led to her being labeled as Putin's lover. She founded the international association "Sky Grace" and a school with the same name.
"Sky Grace" has special rights that allow the organization of competitions according to its own rules. The school often publishes videos of training sessions where Kabaeva advises students. They seem like random behind-the-scenes footage, but these videos are carefully selected, reports the "Meduza" service.
Alina Kabaeva's school has special privileges
As reported by "BBC News," Alina Kabaeva's association has gained special rights that allow it to grant sports titles independently of official regulations.
Sky Grace has been granted unrivaled privileges among Russia’s sports schools. Kabaeva’s creation is authorized to set its own competition calendar, organize tournaments under its own rules (sidestepping the regulations established for rhythmic gymnastics in Russia and internationally), and award sports titles independently to students and coaches. For a brief time, Russia’s rhythmic gymnastics programs were even required to coordinate with Sky Grace when amending their own competition rules, as noted in one of the articles.
Alina Kabaeva created a new discipline that operates alongside rhythmic gymnastics. Her actions are reportedly causing controversy in the sports community. At the BRICS Games, Kabaeva had a conflict with Irina Viner, her former coach. "BBC News" suggests that Kabaeva aims to take over Viner's position in Russian sports.
Alina Kabaeva is one of the most decorated Russian gymnasts. She won 16 gold medals at the European Championships and 12 at the World Championships. After retiring from her sports career in 2007, Kabaeva became involved in politics. Her alleged relationship with Putin has been a topic of media interest for years.
