Content area
Full Text
Kabayeva melds joy with talent
HER face illuminated by a constant grin and her body contorted in supple effortlessness, Alina Kabayeva has become one of the world's most delightfuLly dominant rhythmic gymnasts.
The 15-year-old Russian swept a prestigious triad of competitions in 1998: the European championships (where she elegantly disposed of all three 1996 Olympic medalists), the World Youth Games and the Goodwill Games. Kabayeva's zest and flexibility attest to the physical talent and theatrical charisma which her coach Irina Viner says could yield gold at the 2000 Olympics.
Born May 12, 1983, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Kabayeva was introduced to rhythmic at age 4 by her mother, Lyubov. In 1994, Lyubov, Alina and sister Lesana (now 12) moved to Moscow so Alina could train under legendary mentor Viner. (Professional obligations still keep father Alexei in Tashkent.)
Kabayeva's worldwide preeminence in 1998 may...