Two time Russian Olympian Evgeni Podgorni got married to his girl friend Olesia on July 14. Evgeni, who celebrated his 24th birthday at the beginning of July, has invited a host of Russian national team members to the wedding, including mega stars Alexei Nemov and Svetlana Khorkina as well as reigning world champion Nikolai Kruykov. The bride is not an athlete and has no connection to sports at all.

Novosibirsk native Podgorni was part of Russia's last two Olympic teams, winning a gold in 1996 and a bronze at last year's Sydney Games. Famous for his amazing tumbling - he is capable of a triple back - Podgorni was highly touted in 1996 but injuries hindered his development. Now he seems to be back on track and competed well at the Russian Championships in April, finishing second all around (gymworld reported), and at the European Team Championhips in Riesa, Germany, in May.

Masha