Life News claims that the 26-year-old (pictured) told police that his home, just outside Moscow, was broken into.

Thieves took a number of valuables, including the bronze medal, it has been claimed.

Fridzon is captain of the Russian team Khimki and was recently awarded the Medal of the Order of Services to the Fatherland – apparently also stolen – by his country for his performances in London.

"I know that according to the IOC (International Olympic Committee) rules it's not allowed to make copies of Olympic medals," Fridzon told Sport Express.

"This award is the most precious for me and I very much hope it will be returned."

The shooting guard's club has put a statement online pleading with the guilty party to hand back the medal, saying that "it is a souvenir for the whole of Vitaly's life".

Fridzon was crucial to Russia's third-place finish this summer, netting an important late winner in a group stage game against Brazil.

Russia eventually won their bronze medal with an 81-77 victory over Argentina.

Fridzon was also a part of the Russian team which finished third in last year's EuroBasket tournament in Lithuania.

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