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Russian Olympic Medalists Receive Mercedes SUVs

Russian gold medalists received a Mercedes GL-Class SUV. Mercedes-Benz

Russian athletes who won gold medals at the Sochi Winter Olympics have each been rewarded with a Mercedes GL-Class SUV worth $146,500.

The Olympians were presented with their brand new set of wheels at a ceremony on Thursday, which was also attended by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Interfax reported.

Silver medallists were given the keys to Mercedes ML-Class, worth $99,500, and bronze medalists will take home a Mercedes GLK-Class, worth $59,500.

Some athletes may get more use out of the vehicles than others. Yulia Lipnitskaya gained acclaim for her contribution to the Russian team figure skating gold medal, but is 15 years old and too young to legally drive her prize.

When asked by Medvedev who would drive the car, Lipnitskaya replied that her mother would, RIA Novosti reported.

Forty-five new cars were presented in total. Russian won 13 gold, 11 silver and 9 bronze medals at Sochi.

The cars are provided for by the Russian Olympians Foundation, a not-for-profit organization set up by a group of businessmen in 2005.

In 2012, athletes who medaled in the London Olympic Games were each given a brand new Audi, which came complete with a personal driver.

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