The 27-year-old from Gorky has fronted campaigns for Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton, L'Oréal and Chanel, graced the front cover of Vogue.

Designer Tom Ford has described her as "the most beautiful woman in the world".

She is a keen philanthropist and set up her own major charitable foundation, the 'Naked Heart Foundation', which aims to provide safe environments for children to play.

She is married to Briton, Lord Justin Portman, with whom she has three children.

Vodianova followed the President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Sir Phillip Craven, and Dmitry Chernyshenko, the President and chief executive of Sochi 2014, in addressing crowds in Red Square at the launch of Sochi 2014's new Paralympic brand as part of Russia's inaugural Paralympic Day celebrations on Saturday.

She said: "Sochi 2014 is a major opportunity for Russia and the world to embrace sport and healthy living, but also to help build understanding and friendship between people from different cultures.

"For many people, it will be the first time they see Russia in a different light.

"As we celebrate Russia's first ever dedicated Paralympic Day in Russia, I'm proud to take this new role for Sochi 2014.

"Ultimately, our first Winter Games will help create greater awareness and better understanding of the millions of people who live with perceived disabilities in our country."

Chernyshenko said: "Natalia is an icon in Russia and around the world. Sochi 2014 will be an iconic Winter Games and with Natalia's help, we can be an inspiration to millions of people for a healthier, happier life."