Alina Kabaeva, former Olympic and nine-times world rhythmic gymnastics champion, has an ambassadorial role at the upcoming World Championships in Italy ©Getty Images

Russia's Alina Kabaeva, a gold medallist at the 2004 Athens Olympics who also earned nine world titles, has been chosen as the gymnastics ambassador for the 35th Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Pesaro, Italy. 

This is the first year that the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has decided to invite a legend of the discipline to serve as an inspirational model during the flagship event

Kabaeva was reportedly chosen not only because of her competitive success, but also due to her links with Italy where, as a young athlete, she took part in numerous training camps.

"The FIG extended an invitation which I, certainly, could not refuse," she said.

"I am very pleased that Russia is entrusted with this honourable mission, as it was our country that introduced rhythmic gymnastics to the world.

"Rhythmic gymnastics is the kind of sport that teaches people to understand and feel the beauty of movement to music.

Alina Kabaeva had a role during the Torch lighting ceremony at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi ©Getty Images
Alina Kabaeva had a role during the Torch lighting ceremony at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi ©Getty Images

"I would like to see as many people in the world as possible join this sport, particularly children, and not necessarily for medals.

"The more beauty surrounding a child from his or her early years, the more harmonious a person he or she will become in the future."

Competition in Pesaro will take place between August 30 and September 3.

Kabaeva will take part in various activities on site during the World Championships, notably presenting the new world all-around champion with her gold medal.

She won the title herself twice, in 1999 and 2003.

The 34-year-old was also stripped of six world titles in 2001 after testing positive for banned diuretic furosemide at that year's Goodwill Games in Brisbane.

"The FIG's success rests on the wonderful accomplishments of our sport's former stars," said the FIG President Morinari Watanabe.

"We must respect them and never forget what they have contributed to our history."

Nellie Kim, vice president of the FIG and chair of the FIG Ambassadors' Commission, added: "We are absolutely delighted that Alina Kabaeva will be the FIG gymnastics ambassador at the World Championships in Italy.

"She is, indeed, an absolute legend in rhythmic gymnastics not only because of her multiple titles and achievements at the end of the 1990s and the beginning of the 2000s, but also because of her sunny personality and ability to connect with audiences anywhere in the world."