A winter for Olympics

Often controversial, often weird and endlessly entertaining, this year, like no other, the winter olympics failed to disappoint. Hosted in Sochi, we certainly where provided with many iconic sporting moments, however they where paired with Sochi's very own problems. But with the Olympic flame extinguished and the last medals awarded, was the Olympic event a success for Russia?

It was no secret that the Russian's provided a jaw-dropping opening ceremony and not in the way they would have hoped. The fifth giant Olympic ring failed to follow the footsteps of the other four rings and light up in a grand display.
They instantly realised the mistake they had made but certainly did not admit defeat. Konstantin Ernst, the creative director behind the opening ceremony showed no fear and certainly fought his corner. 'This is certainly bad, but it does not humiliate us'.

From that point onwards Sochi certainly embraced this fault and worked hard to make the winter olympics an iconic event. The enthusiasm for the winter sports continued throughout the whole games, from the curling to the exhilarating snowboarding, a certain highlight for the 2014 winter olympics.
The moment that the young russian-born swiss snowboarder won gold in the men's half pipe, beating the prestigious Shaun White from the USA you could feel the nerves throughout the crowd. Even from watching it on television did you feel the incredible atmosphere. The only sounds to be heard where from the boards as they gently grazed the fresh, clear snow and the anxious breaths of the competitors.

It was at this moment that the Winter Olympics came to life and through Sochi's subtle nod to the power of sport, they had clawed their way back to a Winter Olympics they could be proud of.

It wasn't until the closing ceremony that we saw the glowing pride of the Russians and why shouldn't they be proud. Their crowds where lively, their venues where welcoming and once again the Russian athletes where at the top of the medal table.
All in all they provided a smooth and entertaining show, with a number of performances playing homage to their country. They even poked fun at themselves, reenacting the four rings and the fifth deflated ring, with the use of dancers.

In the end the Winter Olympics 2014 was a success and will certainly not be forgotten in a hurry.