Medvedev’s ‘chin-ups stunt’ to match Putin’s exploits ‘looks silly’

LONDON - Russian president Dmitry Medvedev’s publicity stunt of performing a series of chin-ups to match rival Vladimir Putin’s strong man persona ended up looking rather silly.

Medvedev, a 45-year-old former corporate lawyer, was apparently trying to impress a group of schoolchildren in southern Russia, reports the Telegraph.

On Tuesday, he gave his annual state-of-the nation address, which didn’t leave a very favourable impression on critics.

Kremlin watchers are tracking Medvedev’s performance carefully ahead of a presidential vote in 2012 to try to understand whether he might run for a second term.

However, Putin so far is looking much more likely to take his old job back.

Even though at 58 he is 13 years older than Medvedev, Putin, a former KGB spy, has been much active and convincing when it comes to action man photo opportunities.

In recent years he has made headlines around the world hunting whales, tagging tigers, piloting nuclear bombers, and fishing and swimming in Siberia.

He is therefore unlikely to be too worried by Medvedev’s latest display of his own machismo. (ANI)