Gymnast in President Putin's marriage riddle:

Culled from Dailymail.

Alina Kabayeva (pictured), 30, who was first named as the Russian president’s mistress five years ago, revealed she has indeed met a man ‘whom I love very much’. ‘Sometimes you feel yourself so happy that you even feel scared that you are so happy,’ she said. Miss Kabayeva, a gold medal-winning rhythmic gymnast who is now an MP in Mr Putin’s United Russia party, had denied a relationship.

The glamorous young Olympic gymnast at the centre of speculation over Vladimir Putin’s marriage breakdown has spoken of her longing to marry and have children.

Alina Kabayeva, 30, who was first named as the Russian president’s mistress five years ago, revealed she has indeed met a man ‘whom I love very much’.

‘Sometimes you feel yourself so happy that you even feel scared that you are so happy,’ she said.

Miss Kabayeva, a gold medal-winning rhythmic gymnast who is now an MP in Mr Putin’s United Russia party, had denied a relationship.

Yet the speculation in Moscow has continued unabated, with claims Mr Putin, 60, and Miss Kabayeva already have a secret family of one, two or even three children. 

The rumours coincided with the almost total eclipse of Mr Putin’s wife, Lyudmila, 55. Some reports have even suggested she now lives as a recluse in a monastery.

The rumour mill intensified last week as Mr Putin and his wife announced they are to divorce.

Despite denials from Mr Putin’s spokesman, many Russians believe it is only a matter of time before Miss Kabayeva is gradually unveiled at his side. 

Marriage to Mr Putin  would enable her formally to take her place as Russia’s youngest first lady since Tsarina Alexandra, the ill-fated wife of the Kremlin’s last royal monarch, Nicholas II. 

In revealing recent television interviews, she never once named Mr Putin. Instead of denying a relationship, her mannerisms – coquettish laughter and hand nervously brushing through her hair – if anything suggested the opposite.

She also made clear that marriage is definitely on her mind, that she has found her Mr Right and that she does not yet have  children. ‘Of course I want to get married, have my family .  .  . and children,’ she told a group of young interviewers.

Asked who she wanted to marry, she giggled and replied: ‘You know I’ve never thought about it .  .  . but life is such a thing that .  .  . you live and everything is fine with you and then you see a person you like. Everything about him you like. This will be the kind of person I will marry.’

Had she met this person? ‘Erm’ .  .  . (laughing) .  .  . yes I have .  .  . (laughing more and now beaming with happiness).’ The young audience broke into applause, with few viewers not aware of the name no one appeared brave enough to mention.