In brass and enamels; 35.3 x 27.9 mm. Three piece construction: the star with the athlete and the wreath with red plaques are separate, superimposed parts. Very nicely made piece. Features relatively flat reverse without a serial number (unlike the earlier version of the same badge).

In very fine to excellent condition. The enamel is practically perfect, with the exception of a single tiny surface flake to the red plaque at the bottom, at about 7 o'clock. There is a bit of verdigris to the wreath, not detractive. The details are perfect and crisp. The screw post is full length, over 9.5 mm, and includes original maker marked screw plate. The badge was established in 1945 by the Sovnarkom (Council of Peoples Commissars) as a high award for training top level sportsmen. By law, no more than 1000 could be awarded each year. Although not a strictly military decoration, it was eventually accepted as a regulation award by the Soviet Armed Forces and could be bestowed by the military command.

/V. Borisov, "Badges of the Soviet Armed Forces, 1918 - 1991", fig. 197/.