Will Putin's rumored flame be the one to light Olympic
torch?
Former Olympic champion Alina Kabayeva is rumored to be
dating Russian President Vladimir Putin along with being in the running to
light the Olympic torch.
Maybe it takes a flame to know -- and light -- one?
Speculation has been running wild that Russian President
Vladimir Putin's alleged girlfriend -- 2004 Olympic rhythmic gymnastics
champion Alina Kabaeva -- may be selected to light the Olympic Torch at the
opening ceremonies in Sochi.
KAZUHIRO NOGI-AFP
Alina Kabaeva performs with clubs in the rhythmic gymnastics
individual all-around final during the 2004 Olympics in Athens. She won the
event.
The lighting is traditionally performed by a prominent
person from the host country, so Kabaeva would certainly qualify on her own
merits. And rumors of her relationship with Putin -- who has been single since
his divorce last year -- have never been officially confirmed.
But in the wake of all the other issues Russia is facing as
Olympic host -- from its stance on gay rights and Sochi's extermination of
stray dogs to kidnapping threats, questionable hotel conditions and even pillow
shortages -- does the country's president really need anything more on his
plate?
Putin, for his part, dismissed the conjecture about 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 him 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,'' he said in
comments broadcast on state television.
Well that's a relief, right?
Medal Detector \ Olympics
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