Alina Kabaeva: Vladimir Putin’s girlfriend to light Sochi Olympic Torch?

2004 Olympic rhythmic gymnastics champion Alina Kabaeva,  Vladimir Putin’s alleged girlfriend, may be selected to light the Olympic Torch at the opening ceremonies in Sochi.

The lighting is traditionally performed by a prominent person from the host country, so Alina Kabaeva would certainly qualify on her own merits.

Rumors of Alina Kabaeva’s relationship with Vladimir Putin – who has been single since his divorce last year – have never been officially confirmed.

Vladimir Putin, for his part, dismissed the conjecture about Alina Kabaeva possibly lighting the torch.

“I’m aware of this [the speculation], I was told of this by [Kremlin spokesman] Dmitry Peskov. These are the usual red herrings,” News.com.au quotes President Vladimir Putin as saying while he toured a nature reserve near Sochi.

“We have many outstanding sportspeople who are significant and known in the whole world, and I am not going to interfere in this process,” Vladimir Putin said in comments broadcast on state television.