Vladimir Putin Bobsledding: Russian Prime Minister Takes A Ride

Add bobsledding to Vladimir Putin's repertoire of unlikely macho pastimes. On Thursday, Putin reportedly visited the Paramonovo track, about 40 miles outside of Moscow, to watch the Russian team prepare.

Disregarding warnings that he might lack sufficient training to bobsled, Putin opted to take a ride himself, according to Russia's news agency RIA Novosti.

In the video above, watch Putin glide down the track with the assistance of bobsledder pilot Alexei Shadeyev. The first attempt was a flop, as the sleigh failed to reach the end of the track, but the second try proved successful.

Putin has taken up a host of new activities, including diving for sunken -- albeit staged -- ancient artifacts, practicing ice hockey, and fighting children.

Although the Russian Prime Minister been known to get in character during his exploits, he drew the line at the skin-tight suits worn by bobsledding athletes. He opted for a fur-hooded parka, instead.

Just another day in the life.

Above, watch Putin glide down the track. Below, see more of Putin's most commanding characters.

Comments

[CamelPaw357]

02:36 AM on 02/19/2012

The more I learn about PM Putin, the more I like him. He has the courage, zest, wisdom, and concern that our president so badly needs. It's just too bad he cannot come here and run for president. Yes, a Putin/Clinton ticket would work well.

[esosa233]

11:42 PM on 02/18/2012

At least they have a fun PM, what has our American Republican Candidates done for fun other than bash gays and forcibly impregnate women. and Obama's out playing football...

[peptobismal]

11:17 PM on 02/18/2012

"he drew the line at the skin-tight suits worn by bobsledding athletes. He opted for a fur-hooded parka, instead."

hmmm, this is the guy that walks around without a shirt all the time and he draws the line at skin-tight suits? Go figure.

[Tumunzahar]

08:22 PM on 02/18/2012

That can't be Putin. His shirt's still on.

[RACVC]

03:44 PM on 02/18/2012

His jacket hood served as a nice sail to slow the sled down.
Wear a hat next time Sir.

[Scotishpinkocommie]

03:12 PM on 02/18/2012

In Russian news today Putin defeats traitorous bobsled while simultaneously punching out a bear.

[IfIonlyknew]

10:23 AM on 02/18/2012

And without a helmet......The dudes a machine.

[angelavictoria5]

10:59 PM on 02/17/2012

He is a remarkable and formidable person. It takes someone with his kind of technique to rule the Russian people. To calm the riots, it is necessary to apologize for the public's perception of wrongdoing and find ways to make amends.

[2natw]

08:18 PM on 02/17/2012

I'm sorry, but Putin is just freakin' awesome. Путин!

[secondcoming]

07:57 PM on 02/17/2012

maybe he and Schwarzenegger can team up and run for the president of the United States, I hear they put wall streeters in Jail in Russia, little late but it still might be a welcome change,

[twisted8138]

07:50 PM on 02/17/2012

Would have been nice if it flipped over or something, that would have been news!..lol Actually it would have been hilarious!

[mellinsean]

07:36 PM on 02/17/2012

You are getting to old for that, although you know you probably could do something, you don't have to, one miscalculation and that would have hurt.

[certmuff]

06:50 PM on 02/17/2012

Everywhere I look I see this Putin- on the corner- at Publix- he does get around

[Clinique]

06:47 PM on 02/17/2012

I can't believe some idiotic commenter called us jealous of Putin!

[vitacin]

06:41 PM on 02/17/2012

Ego is what sustains this man's lifeblood. For most of us it's oxygen.