History of Alina Kabaeva in Timeline

Alina Kabaeva is a prominent figure in Russia, known for her diverse roles as a politician, media manager, and retired rhythmic gymnast. She achieved the esteemed title of Honored Master of Sports, a testament to her exceptional athletic abilities. Kabaeva's career transitioned from the world of competitive sports to the political arena and media management. Her background as a highly successful gymnast likely contributed to her public profile and subsequent career paths.

May 1983: Birth of Alina Kabaeva

Alina Kabaeva was born in Tashkent, Uzbek SSR, Soviet Union in May 1983.

1993: Kabaeva's International Debut for Kazakhstan

Alina Kabaeva represented Kazakhstan at an international competition in Japan in 1993.

1996: Kabaeva's International Debut for Russia

Alina Kabaeva made her international debut representing Russia in 1996.

1998: Kabaeva Wins European Championships

15-year-old Alina Kabaeva won the 1998 European Championships in Portugal.

1999: Kabaeva Wins European and World Titles

Alina Kabaeva won the European Championship in Hungary and the World Title in Osaka, Japan in 1999.

2000: Kabaeva Wins Bronze at Sydney Olympics

Alina Kabaeva won the bronze medal in rhythmic gymnastics at the 2000 Sydney Olympics after dropping her hoop during her performance.

August 2001: Kabaeva and Tchachina Disqualified for Diuretic Use

Alina Kabaeva and Irina Tchachina were disqualified for two years starting in August 2001 after testing positive for furosemide.

2001: Kabaeva Wins Multiple Medals, Then Disqualified

Alina Kabaeva won several gold medals at the 2001 World Championships and Goodwill Games, but was later disqualified for using a banned diuretic.

2001: Appearance in Red Shadow

Kabaeva appeared in the Japanese film "Red Shadow" in 2001, showcasing her gymnastics skills.

August 2002: Kabaeva Returns to Competition

After a one-year ban, Alina Kabaeva returned to competition in August 2002 and won the individual all-around at the European Championships.

2003: Kabaeva Wins World Title in Budapest

Alina Kabaeva won the All-Around Gold Medal at the 2003 World Championships in Budapest, as well as event finals in Ribbon and Ball.

October 2004: Kabaeva Announces Retirement

Alina Kabaeva announced her retirement from rhythmic gymnastics in October 2004.

2004: Kabaeva Wins Gold at Athens Olympics

Alina Kabaeva won the gold medal in the Individual All-Around for Rhythmic Gymnastics at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

June 2005: Kabaeva's Potential Comeback Announced

In June 2005, Russian Head Coach Irina Viner announced a possible comeback for Alina Kabaeva.

September 2005: Kabaeva Returns to Competition

Alina Kabaeva resumed her sporting career at an Italy-Russia friendly competition in Genoa on September 10, 2005.

2005: Kabaeva Joins Public Chamber of Russia

Alina Kabaeva became a member of the Public Chamber of Russia in 2005.

March 2006: Kabaeva Wins Gazprom Moscow Grand Prix

Alina Kabaeva won the Gazprom Moscow Grand Prix in March 2006.

2007: Kabaeva's term as State Duma deputy begins

Alina Kabaeva began her term as a State Duma deputy from United Russia in 2007.

2007: Kabaeva Withdraws from European Championships, Wins Bronze at World Championships

Alina Kabaeva withdrew from the 2007 European Championships due to injury, but won a bronze medal in the ribbon final at the 2007 World Championships.

2007: Member of Russian Parliament

In 2007, Alina Kabaeva became a Member of the Russian Parliament, representing Nizhnekamsk for the United Russia party.

February 2008: Kabaeva Becomes Chairwoman of Public Council of National Media Group

Alina Kabaeva became chairwoman of the Public Council of the National Media Group in February 2008.

April 2008: Alleged Engagement to Vladimir Putin

The Moskovsky Korrespondent reported Kabaeva's alleged engagement to Vladimir Putin in April 2008, a story that was denied, leading to the newspaper's closure.

2008: Kabaeva's Planned Olympic Participation Does Not Happen

Despite repeated announcements, Alina Kabaeva did not participate in the 2008 Olympics.

January 2011: Vogue Cover and Singing Debut

In January 2011, Kabaeva was featured on the cover of Vogue Russia and launched her singing career with her first public performance.

2012: Voting on Controversial Laws

In 2012, Kabaeva voted in favor of several controversial laws, including the Anti-Magnitsky bill and the Russian "gay propaganda" law.

July 2013: Denial of Having Children

Kabaeva denied having children in July 2013.

2013: Voting on Controversial Laws

Kabaeva continued to vote for controversial legislation in 2013, including laws affecting inter-country adoption, online content, and the Academy of Sciences.

September 2014: Kabaeva Appointed Chairwoman of National Media Group

In September 2014, Alina Kabaeva became the chairwoman of the board of directors of the National Media Group.

September 2014: Chair of National Media Group

In September 2014, Kabaeva resigned from the Duma and assumed the role of chair of the board of directors at the National Media Group. This appointment drew criticism due to her perceived lack of experience and the high salary associated with the position.

2014: Kabaeva Carries Olympic Flame at Sochi Olympics

Alina Kabaeva was a torchbearer during the Opening Ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, a selection which generated controversy.

2014: End of Parliament Membership

Alina Kabaeva's term as a Member of the Russian Parliament ended in 2014.

March 2015: Reported Birth of Daughter

Kabaeva reportedly gave birth to a daughter in March 2015 in Switzerland.

2015: Kabaeva as Honorary Guest at World Championships

Alina Kabaeva was an honorary guest at the 2015 World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany.

2015: Extended Stays in Switzerland

Starting in 2015, Kabaeva reportedly spent considerable time in Switzerland.

2016: Leysan Kabaeva Appointed Judge

In 2016, Alina Kabaeva's younger sister, Leysan, was appointed as a judge of the Almetyevsk City Court in Tatarstan.

2017: Kabaeva Becomes FIG Ambassador

Alina Kabaeva became the official FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics Ambassador at the 2017 World Championships in Pesaro, Italy.

2019: Reported Birth of Twin Sons

In 2019, reports emerged of Kabaeva giving birth to twin sons in Moscow.

April 2022: Potential Sanctions Considered

The United States considered imposing sanctions on Kabaeva in April 2022, but held back to avoid escalating tensions with Russia.

May 2022: Sanctioned by UK and Canada

Kabaeva and her grandmother faced sanctions from the United Kingdom and Canada in May 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The EU also imposed sanctions on her in June 2022, followed by sanctions from Australia in July 2022.

August 2022: Sanctioned by the US

In August 2022, Kabaeva was added to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control, freezing her assets and prohibiting U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with her.

2022: Report on Births

In 2022, a Swiss newspaper indicated that a Swiss gynecologist assisted in two births with Kabaeva: a son in 2015 and another son in 2019, suggesting that both were fathered by Putin.