MOSCOW, December 11. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended a congratulatory message to speed skater Denis Yuskov, who set a new World Record over the weekend in men’s 1,500 meters race.

Yuskov set the new world record of 1 minute 41.02 seconds during men’s 1,500 meters race of the ISU (International Skating Union) Speed Skating World Cup event in US Salt Lake City on Saturday.

"You have achieved an outstanding result winning the competition and setting the new World Record," Putin said in his message posted on the official Kremlin website. "Having left behind experienced and strong opponents, You have demonstrated your skills, character and the will for victories."

Koen Verweij of the Netherlands was second on Saturday with the result of 1 minute 41.63 seconds, and another Dutchman, Thomas Krol, finished the distance in third place showing the result of 1 minute 42.63 seconds.

The previous world record of 1 minute 41.04 seconds remained unbeaten for almost eight years after it was set by Shani Davis of the United States on December 11, 2009.