SOCHI, February 21 (R-Sport) – Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday praised figure skater Adelina Sotnikova after she became the first Russian to win the women's competition.
The 17-year-old surprised South Korean favorite Kim Yuna to win Thursday's competition, bringing Russia its third figure skating gold of the Sochi Olympics.
“You have won and reached the height for which our figure skating national team has been aiming for years,” Putin said in remarks carried on a government website. “Your family, coaches and mentors are proud of you. The whole of Russia is proud of you.”
Sotnikova, who had never won a major tournament before, trailed Vancouver Olympic champion Kim after the short program, but managed to overtake her in the free skate with a total score of 224.59 points, beating her personal best by 12 points.
Earlier in the tournament, Russia won the team event and the pairs title went to host nation duo Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov.
