Rodion Stepanovich Shutenko's "In the Struggle for the World Record, Sports brings the (Soviet) States Together" (1980s) emerges as a defining work of late Soviet sports propaganda. Created for Agitplakat Dona during a period of intense political complexity, this preliminary oil on card sketch holds particular historical significance as one of few surviving preparatory works from an era when such designs were routinely destroyed. The timing of its creation, coinciding with both the 1980 Moscow Olympics and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, reflects a critical moment when the USSR strategically employed sports diplomacy to project global influence and internal unity amidst mounting international tensions.

The composition achieves remarkable impact through masterful simplicity. A rhythmic gymnast in vibrant red athletic wear reaches skyward, her ribbon tracing an elegant ascending spiral that transforms into the unmistakable silhouette of a dove against a bold blue background. This ingenious visual metaphor - where athletic grace becomes an emblem of peace - epitomises the Soviet Union's sophisticated use of sporting achievement as a vehicle for international diplomacy.

Shutenko's technical approach demonstrates remarkable sophistication in its restraint. The three-colour palette of blue, white, and red creates a striking modernist aesthetic that aligns with international design trends of the 1980s. The artist's masterful use of negative space and bold colour blocking represents a significant evolution from earlier, more pictorially elaborate propaganda styles. The seamless transformation of the gymnast's ribbon into a peace symbol showcases Shutenko's ability to convey complex political messages through deceptively simple visual elements.

As a World War II veteran who served as a lieutenant in the artillery regiment of the 315th Rifle Division at Stalingrad, Shutenko (1921-2021) brought unique authenticity to his propaganda work. His artistic career, spanning contributions to the satirical magazine "Krokodil" and founding membership in "Agitplakat Dona", established him as a leading figure in Soviet propaganda art. His distinctive style, combining sharp political commentary with bold graphic elements, influenced generations of artists. Today, his works are in the collection of institutions, including the Rostov Regional Museum of Fine Arts and the State Archive of Rostov Oblast.