Super Putin: Flamboyant portrayals of Russia's president

Along with his reputation as an iron-fisted leader,Russian President Vladimir Putinis known to bean avid sportsman with a longtime love ofjudo, the Japanese martial art.

Images of the Russian leader engaging infeats of athletic prowess and daring appear frequently, shoring up his image as a man of action.

Putin has a black belt in judo.

He regularly plays hockey in a Sochi night league.

He andand the prime ministerpump iron between meetings.

Putin's busy summer included an expedition in the Black Sea.

Add archeological discoveries to his resum.

He's cool with cats.

And has an eye for the birds.

He could tell a few fish stories.

Siberian summers get hot.

It's no surprise the ex-KGB agentis a good shot.

Time to suit up for a Formula One drive.

A firm hand on the stick guides awaterbomber.

On the road with bikers.