Aluminum, paint; medallion measures approx. 37 mm tall (incl. eyelet) x 34 mm wide. The reverse of both the pendant and the suspension device shows stylized raised logo ФСС ("FSS") of the Experimental Factory of Sports Souvenirs and Badges in Moscow. The badge is in excellent condition.

The badge was established in 1973 as the highest military award for physical fitness. The first awards however were issued only in 1978. To become eligible for it, a soldier had to meet the rigorous standards of the 1st cl. Military Sportsmanship badge five years in a row. For obvious reasons, not many of these badges were issued.

/See V. Borisov, "Badges of the Soviet Armed Forces, 1918 - 1991", fig. 196/