I had to laugh when I saw this on yahoo news. The idea of a fit world leader is so alien that it is front page news. I'd love to see Putin in an arm wrestling contest with Bush. :krofl

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070822/ap_on_re_eu/putin_s_image

Photos of bare-chested Putin create stir
By MIKE ECKEL, Associated Press Writer
Wed Aug 22, 12:52 PM ET
MOSCOW - When he flexes Russia's diplomatic and military muscle, Vladimir Putin always makes headlines.

But few could have predicted the squall of gossip and speculation that erupted after the president stripped off his shirt for the cameras while vacationing in the Siberian mountains last week.

The resulting images, prominently enshrined on the presidential Web site, inspired admiration, criticism and some racing pulses among his admirers.

The Russian media still can't get enough.