Putin congratulated Bolshunov on his triumph at the Olympics

Vladimir Putin congratulated skier Bolshunov, who won gold, on his triumph at the Olympics

Skier Bolshunov brought Russia the first gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. According to the President, the athlete showed excellent fighting qualities and the mood to win.

Russian skier Alexander Bolshunov “brilliantly” opened the “golden” score of the Russian team at the Beijing Olympics, showed the mood for victory and “excellent” fighting qualities. About it says in a telegram from Russian President Vladimir Putin published on the Kremlin website.

“I heartily congratulate you on your triumph at the Olympic Winter Games in Beijing. <...> I am convinced that your performance will become an inspiring example for all our Olympians,” the president said.

Putin also wished Bolshunov success, health and “all the best.”

Bolshunov won the skiathlon on February 6, bringing the Russian team the first “gold” of the Olympics. He covered the distance of 30 km (15 km classical + 15 km free) in 1 hour 13 minutes 16.5 seconds. The second place was taken by another Russian – Denis Spitsov, the Finnish Iivo Niskanen won the bronze medal (+2.08.1).