1996 Olympic champion Lilia Podkopayeva is now permanently on display in Kiev. A wax model of Podkopayeva was recently unveiled in the Wax Works at 11, Bogdan Khmelnitski Street, in the Ukrainian capital. During a phone-in organised by the Kiev daily newspaper «Fakty i Komenntarii», Podkopayeva told readers that she likes the wax figure: "I'm really pleased with it. The nose is very similar! I donated one of my leotards to the museum, but the medal is only a replica!"

Podkopayeva, who now spends a great deal of her time in the USA, remains passionately Ukrainian at heart : "My soul has stayed in Ukraine. Upon returning home after a long stay in America, I wanted to sink to the Ukrainian earth and kiss it!" Her memories of the Atlanta Games are vivid, her only regret being that the after competition photo of her with Bill Clinton didn't come out!

Podkopayeva graduated from the Sports University in Kiev and denied rumours that she and her boyfriend of four years were getting married soon. She also confided to readers that she never drinks beer or vodka, but does enjoy Georgian wines "Saperavi", "Kindzmarauli" and "Khanchkara".

Lilia Podkopayeva is due to return to the USA and will be coaching at various gymnastics camps throughout the summer.

umnitsa