Gay Olympic athlete claims she was ‘cuddled’ by Vladimir Putin

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An openly gay Dutch Olympian has reportedly claimed she received a “cuddle” from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to ABC News, speedskater Ireen Wust, from the Netherlands, said she met the Russian leader during a party for Olympians.

Wust told Dutch national broadcaster NOS, “I got a cuddle from him,” at a party held in her honor. “He congratulated me and asked if everything was OK in Russia and I congratulated him on (Russian speedskater) Olga Graf, of course, for her third place (in the 3,000 meters). He was happy to see me, but then he had to leave again. But I cuddled him.”

A spokesperson for the Dutch contingent said Putin gave Wust a quick hug before moving on.

Normally a hug isn’t a big deal, but Wust is one of seven openly gay athletes at the Olympics. In the past few months, Russia has come under international scrutiny for discriminating and harassing homosexuals.

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