World's Most Bendiest Woman

Russian-born Zlata, 27, has been bending herself into the most improbable shapes since the age of four and has broken several world records for her flexibility

She's been dubbed the world's bendiest woman and, as these extraordinary pictures show, contortionist Julia Guenthel is nothing if not supple.

The blonde bombshell, who performs under the stage name Zlata, can twist her body into the most mind-boggling poses imaginable and has broken several world records for her flexibility.

Russian-born Zlata, 27, has been bending herself into the most improbable shapes since the age of four and is now preparing to be the star of the show at the upcoming International Contortion Convention in Cologne, in her adopted Germany.

The event will feature workshops, shows and various special events with Zlata as the main event.

Agile Zlata, a former gymnast, has been contorting herself ever since joining an after school circus class. “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,” she said.

Zlata is so flexible that she can cram herself into a 50cm squared box, although she admits her gift had its downside while she was growing up.“In Russia being flexible is a very good thing to be because everyone is really into gymnastics,” she said, adding: "Some of the other girls didn't like how good I was.”

Zlata, who is 5’8, said she doesn’t watch what she eats to stay in such good shape, but she does have to work out rigorously every day. 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 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.”