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Michelle Obama's visit with members of Team USA left them inspired, but one wrestler gave her a lift -- literally. Elena Pirozhkova, the 5-foot-5 wrestler, picked up the 5-foot-11 first lady. Fellow wrestler Clarissa Chun caught the moment in a blurry, yet amazing, photo.
To avoid the wrath of the Secret Service, Pirozhkova asked Obama for her permission.
Pirozhkova won a silver at the world championships in 2010. Perhaps her encounter with Mrs. O will lift her to the gold in London.
Related Olympic video from the Yahoo! Sports network:
More Olympic coverage from the Yahoo! Sports network:
• Kevin Love catches Team USA napping
• Ryan Lochte seen 'cozying up' to Aussie swimmer Blair Evans
• Olympic rings tattoo a badge of honor for swimmers
To avoid the wrath of the Secret Service, Pirozhkova asked Obama for her permission."I hugged her, and then I asked her if I could pick her up. I think she was nervous. I went slow. I just picked her up. I wanted to ask her permission. There was security all around. And she gave it. I will only meet her once. I wanted to do something different.''
OK, regardless of your political leanings, how awesome is Mrs. Obama? She talked about how she was inspired by the team, and then felt comfortable enough with it to grant an Olympian her offbeat request.
Pirozhkova won a silver at the world championships in 2010. Perhaps her encounter with Mrs. O will lift her to the gold in London.
Related Olympic video from the Yahoo! Sports network:
More Olympic coverage from the Yahoo! Sports network:
• Kevin Love catches Team USA napping
• Ryan Lochte seen 'cozying up' to Aussie swimmer Blair Evans
• Olympic rings tattoo a badge of honor for swimmers