Putin Discouraged From Solo Bobsled Ride

Feb. 16, 2012

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin inspected a bobsledding training course outside Moscow on Thursday, taking a test run as a co-pilot.

The prime minister and presidential candidate wanted to run the course solo, but national team member Viktor Kneip told him, "You can, but you shouldn't. Specific training is needed," RIA-Novosti reported.

Putin then sat in the sled with one of the trainers and made it to the end of the course on the second try, stopping short of the finish on the first attempt.

Putin chatted in German with trainers Martin Hilllebrand and Wolfgang Schädler, and received a helmet and a special sled.

The prime minister is known for his well-publicised physical feats and shows of courage. His exploits have included collecting ancient artifacts from the sea floor while scuba-diving, flying a firefighting plane, and shooting a tiger with a tranquilizer gun.

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