Vladimir Putin's rumoured girlfriend Alina Kabaeva was off-limits for Western sanctions. Until now

Alina Kabaeva, one of the most decorated gymnasts in rhythmic gymnastic history, is rumoured to be Vladimir Putin's partner.  (Reuters: Sergei Karpukhin)

She was once considered almost untouchable, and her long-rumoured relationship with Vladimir Putin never confirmed.

But after the UK imposed sanctions on former Olympic gymnast Alina Kabaeva earlier this month, the strict secrecy surrounding the Russian President's private life has begun to unravel.