A contortionist by the name of Zlata pulls some poses

ZLATA THE

CONTORTIONIST

At the age of four Zlata discovered she had an amazing talent - and she has been bending over backwards ever since to make the most of it.

The Russian-born former gymnast, 24, is one of the world's most extreme contortionists.

At 1.78m and weighing just 54kgs, Zlata spends most of her day working out and training for shows around the world.

In one of her favourite acts she bends herself backwards at a perfect 90 degree angle - virtually cutting herself in half so the back of her hands touch her heels.

And she thinks nothing of casually pulling her legs up behind her and hooking them over her shoulders to land on the floor beside her hands.

She can even squeeze herself into boxes just 50cms squared.

Hows that for a cool pose

Kiss my what?

Now that's just weird

Zlata has a rare condition that makes all her tendons extremely pliable, allowing her to adopt seemingly back-breaking positions.

But Zlata, who now lives in Germany, wasn't always applauded for her contortionist ability.

She first started experimenting with her talent after her pre-school teacher asked her to create a bridge - where you stand on your hands and feet with your back arched - and she outshone her classmates.

She admits other girls her age were jealous of her and would pick on her at school

In where?

Kiss this you fool!