Putin’s rumored girlfriend to head Russian media

Alina Kabaeva (31), an Olympic champion in rhythmic gymnastics and Russian President Vladimir Putin(61)’s rumored girlfriend, resigned from the deputy of State Duma to head a Russian media company.

Spokesman of National Media Group, Russia’s the biggest private media holding, announced on Monday, “State Duma Deputy Kabaeva accepted the invitation of the holding`s shareholders to occupy the post of chairman of the board of directors.” The former 2004 Athens Olympic gold medalist in rhythmic gymnastics joined the United Russia party known to be as Putin’s political foundation in 2007, and was elected for a second stint as a State Duma deputy (the House of Representatives) in 2011.

Kabaeva has drawn attention from the public for the rumored romantic relationship with Putin, 30 years older than her. However, Kremlin has strongly denied such speculation and even closed a newspaper that reported the alleged romantic relationship. Putin divorced his wife Lyudmila in April and Kabaeva is considered as soon-to-be first lady.

Kabaeva, the two-time winner of world championship and a native of Tashkent in Uzbekistan, appeared as a torch-bearer in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and stayed close to Putin in the stadium. She had her photo shoot in Maxim when ranked the 9th of "100 hottest Russian beauties"in 2007.