The World’s Bendiest Woman

You may consider your yoga practice to be on point, but the truth is, you’re probably nowhere near as flexible as Russian contortionist Julia Gunthel. Don’t worry, Nobody is. Better known as Zlata, this back bending and mind blowing contortionist is widely considered to be the world’s most flexible woman. She has been featured in the media for her specific talent: She can bend equally backward and forward, which is a rare skill (even within the contortionist community).
So, just how bendy is this amazing performer? See her photos, and more of her story, below.
Zlata started her career at the tender age of four, when a teacher noticed how flexible she was.
She spent years as a gymnast, and then decided to transition into the world of performance contortion.

She moved from Kazakhstan to Germany and began performing wherever she could.

She has been featured on a variety of television shows for her talent, including the Discover Channel. On the DC’s program, Zlata was examined by a physician.


They learned that her ligaments are similar to a baby’s – in other words, her ligaments didn’t toughen when she became an adult, like most adults’ do.

She can do a variety of incredible poses as a result.




She’s most famous for this insane backbend, which is so freakish that it almost doesn’t look real.

She can also fit her body into a variety of tiny spaces.

Her talent has made her a sensation: She’s traveled all over the world practicing her craft.



She’s also won awards for her skill: Zlata is in the Guinness Book of World Records for the speed of her backbends. She was able to pop three balloons in just under 12 seconds.

It’s an amazing skill, but it certainly does look painful. Would you like to give one of Zlata’s amazing backbends a try? Our best advice: Stretch for at least three years beforehand.
(via lifebuzz)