Background and career
Aliya Nurgayanovna (Nikolayevna) Garaeva (Garayeva) (Tatar: Алия Нургаян кызы Гәрәева; Aliya Nurgayan qızı Gäräeva; Russian: Алия Нургаяновна Гараева), born 1 January 1988 in Yekaterinburg, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union) is a retired Azerbaijani individual rhythmic gymnast. She represented Russia (until 2005), and Azerbaijan (2006–2012).
She is the 2011 World All-around bronze medalist, a two-time (2010, 2012) European All-around bronze medalist, two time (2007, 2011) Grand Prix Final All-around bronze medalist and five-time Azerbaijanii National champion. She was one of few gymnasts not representing Russia to ever been trained by Irina Viner, famous head coach of Russia's national team. She is the most successful Azerbaijani rhythmic gymnast of all time.
