Irina Kazakova

Irina Kazakova (Russian: Ирина Казакова; born September 23, 1986) is known as one of the world's most flexible contortionists. She is a world-class gymnast who specializes in contortion and rhythmic gymnastics on Russia's national team. She is trained with a personal trainer, with whom she works on her oversplits. Her most popular performance is her "Snake Dance". As a rhythmic gymnast, she has performed with the ball, clubs, hoop, and ribbons.
Among her competition as the world's most flexible is Anna Bessonova, who is credited with having the best leaps. Kazakova is still involved with contortion, but is currently becoming more involved with rhythmic gymnastics, and it is becoming her main focus. Nu Age Gymnastics and Dance Academy of Miami Florida lists Kazakova as one of its staff as an "Athlete/Instructor."

On her resume (posted on the web site of Nu Age Gymnastics and Dance Academy), Kazakova lists the following among her awards and honors:

• 2001: “Miss Charm” rhythmic gymnastics award, Omsk, Russia
• 2002: Honored Master of Sports in Rhythmic Gymnastics, Russian Award, Government of Russia (The highest national honor for achievements in this field)
• 2002–2007: Russian National Rhythmic Gymnastics Team member
• 2003: 1st Place – Russian Open Cup Rhythmic Gymnastics
• 2003: “Miss Cleopatra” rhythmic gymnastics award, Alexandria, Egypt
• 2007: Finalist, The Minute of the Glory (Russian version of America's Got Talent)
• 2007: Record winner of The Show of Russian Records

• [1]
• Bulkin and Kazakova – beautiful contortion duet. YouTube (February 8, 2008). Retrieved on October 18, 2011.
• Irina Kazakova. YouTube. Retrieved on October 18, 2011.