Putin to marry world class Uzbek gymnast Alina Kabaeva

Lord Patel posted this fascinating story Thursday, September 27, 2007 Alina Kabaeva - World Class Uzbek / Russian artistic gymnast with a fascinating life story - Amazing pictures !

Now Vladimir (56) has pensioned off Mrs Putin (June 16th in St petersburg) and he will soon marry the graceful and beautiful gymnast (aged 25)whom we explained was not only friendly with Mr Alisher Usmanov, part owner of a struggling North London football team but also with President Mr Putin.

Not many people were interested at the time.

We also had a nice photograph of her Friday, September 28, 2007 Northern Rock plc given £7.75 Bn. of tax payers dosh by thrifty, prudent Scots, Brown + Darling - technically a loan but actually thrown away

"Pic is of the beautiful, delightfully athletic, and artistic gymnast Alina Kabaeva who can do remarkable things with balls and ribbons accompanied by music and the Russian President, Mr Putin, with whom I would be delighted to discuss the complex world of global finance especially in relation to the beautiful country of Uzbekistan.

Alina retired as a gymnast in February and joined the United Russia party at the suggesion of Putin. Svetlana Khorkina, 28, Olympic champion and Olympic speed skating champion Svetlana Zhurova, 35, both became members at the same time - they were called "Putin's Babes" a la Blair's Babes . Here is her official Duma website page

Ex President Vladimir will solemnize the union at Tsarskoe Selo, th magnificent Summer Palace of the late Russian Tsars.

Many thanks to Mr Vagit Alekperov who does not infrequently slip the odd interesting nugget of pure gold our way.

Enjoy


UPDATE : Wednesday The Daily Telegraph catches up with the news

UPDATE Thursday : Now the Daily Mail catches up