The message reads, in part:
“Your extraordinary talent, excellent physique and willpower have enabled you to triumph over the planet’s most powerful athletes, to score the best result in the 500 metre event during an honest and uncompromising struggle and to convincingly confirm your impressive positions in national as well as international speed skating.
And, of course, your coaches and instructors, all those who help you achieve success, made a tremendous and invaluable contribution to this outstanding victory.”