The President said, in particular, in his message:
“You are known as one of the world’s recognised masters in speed skating, have won the most prestigious international competitions and are an Olympic champion.
Your talent, hard work, determination and will helped you to achieve success at the XXII Winter Olympics in Sochi. At the Adler Arena, which has become a lucky place for you, you not only won the 5,000-metre competition but also set a new Olympic record, substantially improving on your own result at the Vancouver Olympics in 2010.”