The World's Bendiest Woman

              

Russian-born Zlata can contort herself into the most extreme poses imaginable - and has broken numerous world records for her flexibility.

The former gymnast, who is 5ft 8in, is so flexible she can cram herself into a 50cm squared box.

She said: 'Doing these poses just feels very natural to me. Sometimes it can get a bit uncomfortable if I have to hold a pose for a long time in photo shoots.

'But I think that's like anyone who sits down for a long time - their muscles get stiff.'

Zlata has been contorting herself since she was four years old. After discovering how much she loved twisting herself into odd shapes, she joined an after-school circus class before turning her talent into a career.

She said: 'As soon as I started doing it I was addicted and I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.'

But it wasn't always so easy as a child as many of Zlata's peers were jealous of her ability.

She explained: 'In Russia being flexible is a very good thing to be because everyone is really into gymnastics. Some of the other girls didn't like how good I was.'

Zlata said she has to work out rigorously every day to stay in shape and maintain her flexibility.

She added: 'I don't really diet but I have to train very hard to keep my muscles in shape and to be as flexible as possible.'

The 27-year-old is set to show off her ability at the upcoming International Contortion Convention in Germany, where she now lives.