Career
She began gymnastics at age 10 and was coached by Nelli Saladze. She was the 1979 World individual all-around bronze medalist. Irina Gabashvili was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004.
She underwent chemotherapy, but the cancer eventually returned.
She died on 23 March 2009 in Vancouver, Washington, aged 48. A memorial service was held at Holy New Martyrs of Russia Orthodox Church in Mulino, Oregon.