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Putin’s call helps javelin thrower win medal at Moscow Athletics Chmpnship

Tarabin took bronze only in the sixth attempt, having hurled his javelin for 86.23 metres
Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS
Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

MOSCOW, August 17 (Itar-Tass) - President Vladimir Putin’s telephone call helped Russian javelin thrower Dmitry Tarabin collect himself and win a medal at the Moscow Athletics Championship on Saturday, August 17.

Tarabin took bronze only in the sixth attempt, having hurled his javelin for 86.23 metres.

“I am bursting with emotions. I did all I could, I literally took off at the last attempt. I am happy because this is my first achievement. Several hours before the competition Vladimir Putin called me and [my wife] Masha and he wished me good luck. He said he believed in us. This is when I was making my sixth throw I thought that he might be watching the competition on television, and this motivated me and I did my best to win the medal,” Tarabin said, adding that he knew that he “will not give up his victory.”

The athlete was the season’s leader with an 88.84 metre throw but this “does not guarantee a victory at the World Championship.” “This bronze is like gold to me. I am not upset. The guys who took first and second places are ten years senior to me. So I still have everything in store for me,” Tarabin said.