Putin and Alina Kabaeva: A Reported Romance Detailed in New Book
A new book by French writer Celine Nony,titled Alina: Putin’s Secret Love,details a reported romantic relationship between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Alina Kabaeva,a former Olympic gymnast. According to a report by The Sun, Nony’s book explores how Kabaeva (42) first caught Putin’s attention through her athletic achievements.
Kabaeva reached the height of her career at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, winning a gold medal for Russia. Throughout her career, she amassed a total of 18 World Cup medals and even appeared in photoshoots for a men’s magazine. While Putin has never publicly acknowledged a relationship with Kabaeva, Nony claims they first met following the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
The initial encounter reportedly occurred at an official kremlin reception for Russian Olympic medalists.Despite being a top athlete, Kabaeva initially earned a bronze medal, described by Nony as a ”len” bronze. Nony writes, “Subsequently, there were other situations where they met, but it was always an official reception with other guests.”
Nony’s book suggests the relationship developed over six years, during which time Putin was married to Ludmila. He later divorced her seven years after their initial meeting, leading Nony to conclude Kabaeva was his mistress, based on information from several confidential sources.
The reported relationship caused friction with Kabaeva’s gymnastics coach, Irina Viner, wife of Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov. Viner was reportedly dismissed from her position as head coach of the Russian national rhythmic gymnastics team following a dispute with Kabaeva.
Nony,who lived in Moscow in the late 1990s,states kabaeva went on to establish a new gymnastics school,Sky Grace,and effectively removed her coach from her life. “Irina has played a very important role in her professional career. She wasn’t just a coach,but she frequently enough replaced her mother,” Nony explains.
Nony further writes that Putin, a judo enthusiast, became increasingly captivated by Kabaeva after her 2004 olympic win. “The break was supposed to come after the 2004 Athens, where Alina won gold for her homeland. Putin was doing judo at that time,he loved sport. Alina was a little princess for him, and after winning the medal wanted her even more.Alina was then admired. Putina really loved,” she states in the book.
Currently, Kabaeva is reportedly living in seclusion with the two sons she shares with Putin, residing in a villa in Valdai near St. Petersburg.Nony also notes that Kabaeva’s sister and mother have received lavish apartments in prime Russian locations.
