Her mother, a Master of Sports in swimming, brought her to the pool after Anastasiia tried singing and gymnastics.

The curved spine pressed her right lung and her kidney, which led to breathing difficulties; twenty minutes walking gave her severe back pain.

They pursued physiotherapy, electrophoresis, manual and laser therapy, hydro massage, putting her in a corset, and even consulted quacks and witch doctors in the hope to heal her.

After years she still feels pain in her neck, head, rump and feet, but she is able to swim, among other activities.

[5] Gontar studies in the medical institute of the Surgut State University, and plans to become a physician.