A Russian State Duma deputy and Olympic gold medalist whose relationship with President Vladimir Putin has caused wide speculation has resigned from the lower house of parliament.
Alina Kabayeva, who won a gold medal in rhythmic gymnastics in 2006, said she was leaving the Duma to do other unspecified work.
Kabayeva, 31, has been a Duma deputy under the ruling United Russia party since she retired from gymnastics in 2007.
Reports of a romantic relationship between Putin and Kabayeva began in 2008 and have continued despite several denials and "no-comments" from her and Kremlin officials.
Kabayeva played a big role in the ceremony to light the torch at the Sochi Winter Olympics in February.
Putin and his wife Lyudmila divorced earlier this year.
