Russian President Vladimir Putin is currently at the centre of global attention as he leads his army in a widely criticised Ukrainian invasion.
The conflict has had major effects on the global order and the sports industry has not been spared. On Sunday, February 27, the International Judo Federation (IJF) suspended the Russian President as its honorary ambassador - as a way of showing disapproval of his aggression against Ukraine.
Putin is not only an avid Judo enthusiast but is also quite the sportsman - particularly when it comes to sports that boost his macho image.
Team Kenya.co.ke reflects on seven macho sports that the Russian strongman has been known to participate in.
Also Read: Pamela Jelimo: Retracing Star Athlete Who Won Millions, Now Serving as a Cop
Judo
Putin was introduced to martial arts at the age of 14. He initially trained in a Russian wrestling technique known as Sambo. He later joined a gym in St Petersburg where he trained in judo - getting the black belt at the age of 18.
The 69-year old continues to practice judo - occasionally engaging in friendly games with his bodyguards.
Formula One
Putin spent the majority of his adult life as a spy in the KGB. Covert players are known for their love for fast cars and he is no exception.
In 2010, Putin participated in a Formula One race in St Peterburg - clocking a 240 kilometres per hour in the Russian made Lada Kalina.
Scuba Diving
A sport that he occasionally delves in, Putin has had some remarkable experiences while engaging in the sport.
At one time, he discovered two ancient urns in a Greek black sea site dubbed the Russian Atlantis. In notable moments, he went scuba diving with his predecessor, Dmitry Medvedev, to Astrakhan Region where the duo took pictures of the underworld.
Hockey
The tough-talking President is known for his no-nonsense approach when it comes to matters of politics. But when it came to the sport of hockey, Putin showed a much hungrier side of his for learning a new craft.
For someone who previously had no experience in the sport, he endeavoured to learn the game- hiring former Russian hockey player and multiple World cup winner Alexey Kasatonov as his coach.
Aged 58 at the time, Putin learnt the art of skating in a record two months' time. He became a patron for the Russian Nigh Hockey League whereby other politicians became enamoured with the President's zeal.
This enticed them to join the sport albeit taking precautions not to rub the President the wrong way during matches.
Horse riding
Considered one of the premier animal lovers in the country, the Russian Head of State is occasionally spotted shirtless on top of a horse while strolling around a field.
This portrayed the picture of a rugged outdoorsman- an impression that the Russian relishes in keeping. Other times, Putin would adorn blazers and heavy jackets during the winter.
Marksmanship
The former KGB veteran is not one to shy off the gun as he is a renowned marksman. During a past trial of a new sniper rifle, President Putin took up the challenge and hit the target more than half the time.
The gun was described by the Russian media as an ultra-modern rifle for expert snippers.
Skiing
Much like skating, skiing became one of Putin's favourite sports. The President hired Leonid Tyagachev, former Head of the country's Olympic committee, who coached him for two years.
The two began in normal training sessions before ramping up the course whereby they would extend till midnight. Gradually, Putin's form continued to improve as he actually become an expert in the sport.