MOSCOW, October 7 Olympic champions Elena Vyalbe, Alexander Legkov , Alexander Povetkin, as well as the silver medalist of the Games Ilya Averbukh congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin on his birthday.
Putin turned 71 on October 7.
“»We have so many changes in the country thanks to Vladimir Vladimirovich! Sports began to develop. We are probably the first in the world to build such a huge amount of all kinds of new housing. The Crimean Bridge, which is simply on everyone’s lips and in sight. I am immensely grateful and happy that I live at the same time as such a leader of the country,” said Vyalbe, as quoted by the press service of the All-Russian Popular Front.
“Happy birthday! You are a true leader, whom the people are proud of and respected by the whole world,” Povetkin said. “You are doing everything for the prosperity of our country, peaceful life and the future of our children. I wish you long years and good health.”
Legkov remembered his victorious 2014 Olympics in Sochi, which was opened by Putin. “The most striking event not only in my life, but also in the lives of many athletes and fans is associated with the Olympics in Sochi,” said the ex-skier.
Averbukh in his congratulations wished the President of the Russian Federation strength and fortitude. “For nine years now, we have been working at the Iceberg Ice Palace every summer season precisely because you proposed to implement, as it seemed then, this crazy idea. It was thanks to you that millions of people were able to see the performances of the best athletes of our country,” said the former figure skater.