ALINA Kabaeva is one of the most decorated gymnasts in history - but it's her rumoured romance with Russian president Vladimir Putin that she is increasingly known for.

While the relationship hasn't been officially confirmed, she has teased her fans by showing off what appears to be a wedding ring. Here's what we know...

3 The powerful, bendy and enigmatic Alina Kabaeva who is alleged to be Vladimir Putin's lover Credit: Getty Images

Who is Alina Kabaeva?

Born in 1983 in Uzbekistan, then part of the Soviet Union, she grew up in a sporting family.

Her dad was a professional footballer.

But from the age of three Kabaeva began her own sports career in rhythmic gymnastics, become a rising star in her teens.

Soon she began winning for Russia in international competitions.

She won Gold at the 2004 Athens Games and Bronze at the 2000 in Sydney.

Her good looks and powerful position in Russian society saw Alina Kabaeva appearing on the cover of Vogue Russia.

The Kremlin has constantly denied the Olympic gold medal winner is his secret first lady, but speculation about the former loyalist MP has persisted, including claims they have children together.

Kabaeva - not linked to any other suitors for a decade despite being seen as one of Russia's most eligible women - is also coy over her love life.

She now heads a large staunchly pro-Kremlin media company.

3 A very friendly Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands Alina Kabayeva two years before they are alleged to have started a relationship in 2008 Credit: Getty Images

The glamorous 34 year old arrived alone at a central Moscow polling station for the 2018 Presidential election she appeared to be wearing a wedding ring.

When asked who she was voting for, she declined to say.

But she made clear: “He will surely win.”

Putin once said: "I have a private life in which I do not permit interference....it must be respected."

Yet her public appearances and utterances often fuel speculation about a romantic relationship, and some say she even teases Russians about a possible match.



Where do the rumours about her being Vladimir Putin’s lover come from?

Kabeava was first linked to Putin in 2008 when it was reported by a Moscow newspaper run by media tycoon and former KGB spy Alexander Lebedev.

Vlad divorced his wife Lyudmila in 2013 and refuses to speak about his private life.

Kabaeva - dubbed “Russia’s First Mistress” - has gone on the record to deny she is the Russian president’s partner, but it has not stopped rumours that the pair are engaged, married and even have a secret family together.

It has been over a decade since the gymnast and media personality has been romantically linked with anyone apart from Putin – but she has refused to name her mystery partner in interviews.

Last year Alina appeared in public wearing a ring on her wedding finger, which she seemed to attempt to hide from the cameras.

She was wearing the ring again during a rare TV interview in which the question all Russians wanted to ask was never discussed.

In February Alina made another public appearance apparently showing off her wedding ring. at a gymnastics tournament in Moscow.

In July, Vlad almost accidentally revealed a mystery woman in his life when he was filmed opening a car door before swiftly slamming it shut.

And in September, Alina teased Russians yet again by showing off what appeared to be a wedding ring on an outing in Italy.

3 'We meet again' ... Most photographs of Putin with Alina Kabaeva show the Russian President looking adoringly at her Credit: Getty Images

MOST READ IN NEWS Exclusive 'NIGHTMARE' Terrified BA crew detained in 'prison camp' Covid quarantine in Hong Kong ESCO-BUCKS! Pablo Escobar's nephew finds £14m in cash stashed in wall of drug lord's house 'MUST ACT NOW' France sees highest daily covid infections as 16,096 test positive in a day LASHED TO BITS Paedo collapses as he’s caned 52 times after being sentenced to 169 lashes JOHNNY ROTTEN Cops seize 324,000 used condoms being washed & sold as NEW in Vietnam raid CREEPY CRAWLERS Dozens of horrifying 3ft-long robber crabs invade family's campsite BBQ

What is the gossip about having Vladimir Putin’s secret baby all about?

The ex-gymnast is alleged to have a secret family with Vladimir Putin.

She recently appeared in public with what appear to be her two children for the first time.

Last year, there were rumours that Kabaeva was pregnant when she attended a girls’ gymnastics competition in Moscow wearing a loose-fitting red dress – which appeared to be hiding a bump.