Sochi 2014 came to a close Sunday amid a blaze of fireworks and celebration. Fears over potential terrorist attacks, protests and the weather dominated the build-up to the Games but, with the Olympics now behind us, was Sochi a success?
Captivating climax —
Sochi 2014 came to a close Sunday amid a blaze of fireworks and celebration. Fears over potential terrorist attacks, protests and the weather dominated the build-up to the Games but, with the Olympics now behind us, was Sochi a success?
JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP/Getty Images
When journalists first arrived in Sochi ahead of the Games, stories abounded of unready hotel rooms and discolored tap water. The Athletes Village, however, received a good review from Olympians, many of whom used the dating app Tinder to get to know each a little better.
Accomodations —
When journalists first arrived in Sochi ahead of the Games, stories abounded of unready hotel rooms and discolored tap water. The Athletes Village, however, received a good review from Olympians, many of whom used the dating app Tinder to get to know each a little better.
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Fog forced the postponement of both the men's snowboard cross and biathlon races, while the warm temperatures did effect the halfpipe, which was criticized by snowboarders before and during the Games. However, on the whole the weather didn't cause too many problems during the Winter Olympics.
Weather —
Fog forced the postponement of both the men's snowboard cross and biathlon races, while the warm temperatures did effect the halfpipe, which was criticized by snowboarders before and during the Games. However, on the whole the weather didn't cause too many problems during the Winter Olympics.
FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images
Slopestyle's Winter Olympics debut wowed sports fans around the world. The Americans dominated the event, taking three gold and two bronze medals across the men's and women's ski and snowboard competitions.
Sporting success —
Slopestyle's Winter Olympics debut wowed sports fans around the world. The Americans dominated the event, taking three gold and two bronze medals across the men's and women's ski and snowboard competitions.
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There have been six cases of doping during Sochi 2014. The most high-profile athlete to test positive for a banned substance was Nicklas Backstrom, who played for Sweden in the men's ice hockey gold medal game.
Doping —
There have been six cases of doping during Sochi 2014. The most high-profile athlete to test positive for a banned substance was Nicklas Backstrom, who played for Sweden in the men's ice hockey gold medal game.
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Two suicide bombings in the city of Volgograd had increased fears that Sochi could be a target for terrorist attacks. However an increased police presence, including 400 Cossacks, ensured the safety of the Games.
Terrorism —
Two suicide bombings in the city of Volgograd had increased fears that Sochi could be a target for terrorist attacks. However an increased police presence, including 400 Cossacks, ensured the safety of the Games.
ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP/Getty Images
A video appeared to show security officials beating two members of the punk rock protest band Pussy Riot. Two members were held by police just miles from the Olympic Park.
Protest —
A video appeared to show security officials beating two members of the punk rock protest band Pussy Riot. Two members were held by police just miles from the Olympic Park.
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