The President said, in particular, in his message:
“You are one of Russia’s sporting legends and a hero for millions. You have been peerless in your achievements at the most prestigious competitions, with your victory count including world and European champion and gold at two Olympic Games.
It is valuable that you share your knowledge and great experience so generously with young people and are making a big personal contribution to strengthening the Russian weightlifting school’s finest traditions.”
Leonid Zhabotinsky is a famous Soviet weightlifter who competed in the super heavyweight class. He was twice Olympic champion (in 1964 and 1968), world weightlifting champion (in 1964–66 and 1968), European champion (1966 and 1968), and world record holder (1963–1970).