The message reads, in part:
“Your entire life has close and unbroken ties to our northern capital. You were born and grew up here, went through the hardships of the wartime years together with your beloved city, and made your contribution to the defence of Leningrad. Later, you devoted your life to sport and achieved great successes on this road, becoming an Olympic champion and setting new records.
Your unforgettable victories and triumphs at the most prestigious international competitions and your sense of purpose and hard work are wonderful examples for today’s young athletes.”
Galina Zybina was Olympic champion in shotput in 1952, an Olympic medallist in 1956 and 1964, European champion in 1954, set multiple records and was USSR champion in javelin and discus throw.