Sport photo 1
Caitlin Mallory and Kristian Rand of Estonia compete in the Ice Dancing Original Dance at the European Figure Skating Championships in Tallinn
Before independence, Estonians were the best in the whole Russian empire in athletics, wrestling and weightlifting. Estonian sport was therefore born before the independent state. Furthermore, it was an important factor in the national awakening. Several great figures of national politics, among them the first president Konstantin Päts, belonged to the sports association "Kalev". It is thus no surprise that sportsmen have always been held in high regard in Estonia.