Openly Gay Medalist Ireen Wust Says She "Cuddled" With Russian President Vladimir Putin

Dutch speedskater told newspapers he congratulated her as well

Vladimir Putin's a cuddler? Who knew?!

The Russian President was on hand to congratulate Dutch speedskater Ireen Wust after winning her first gold medal at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games.

Wust told Dutch national broadcaster NOS, "I got a cuddle from him" during a celebration following her big win.

"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. He was happy to see me, but then he had to leave again. But I cuddled him."

John van Vliet, a spokesperson for the Netherlands' Olympics Committee, also said Putin gave Wust a hug during the brief encounter.

Wust is the first openly gay gold medalist at the Sochi games, and is only one of seven openly gay athletes competing. She took home the top honor after competing in the 3,000 meter women's speedskate on Sunday.

Putin's positive interaction with Wust comes after months of controversy over a newly enacted law prohibiting "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations to minors." 

Celebs including Olivia Wilde, Kristen Bell, Madonna, Cher and Jonah Hill have also spoken (or tweeted) out against the Russian law over the past year.

"Love conquers Hate!" Madonna captioned a previous pic on Instagram. "@HumanRightsCampaign. Russia and the Olympics need to get there act together for the Sochi 2014...... Discrimination will not be tolerated!"

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