Vladimir Putin sends message to Olympic champion Sotnikova saying 'Russia is proud of you'

SOCHI, Russia – President Vladimir Putin congratulated Adelina Sotnikova on Friday, hailing the 17-year-old Russian figure skater who "won and conquered."

Sotnikova became the first Russian or Soviet to win Olympic gold in women's figure skating on Thursday.

In a message published on the Kremlin's website, Putin says Sotnikova "won and conquered the height that our figure skating team has been working for long years ... the whole Russia is proud of you."

The president also issued an official congratulation for Sotnikova on Thursday night.

The Russians have won three figure skating gold medals at the Sochi Olympics: team, pairs and women's.