Sochi 2014: Russia’s Winter Olympics spark controversy in social issues, security – The Verge

Report says Under Armour suit was a factor in US speedskating meltdown

2014-05-01T18:01:17-04:00

According to The Wall Street Journal, a report investigating the US speedskating team's lackluster performance at the Winter Olympics has identified the late introduction of Under Armour's racing suit as "a factor" in the debacle. The report also points to the team's pre-Olympic travel schedule, poorly planned practice locations, and the skate sharpening system used during Sochi as other problems. With a history of medal wins, the United States entered Sochi as an immediate favorite in several long-track speed skating races. But no American ever finished better than seventh place. The US Olympic Committee immediately began searching for answ …

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How will Sochi handle its Olympic hangover?

2014-02-27T10:56:19-05:00

sochi stadium (flickr)

The Winter Olympics are over, but the massive stadiums, hotels, and roadways that were built for the event aren't going anywhere. And if history is any indicator that could be a major problem for host city Sochi.

Russia spent a record $51 billion preparing Sochi to host the games, transforming the seaside resort city into a winter wonderland in one of the most ambitious overhauls in Olympic history. Authorities have said they hope the investment will turn the region into a major tourist destination, though few specifics have been offered and experts are raising red flags.

"They don't seem to have made any real plans as to what happens afte …

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Vladimir Putin won the Olympics, but he’s not smiling

2014-02-24T08:31:52-05:00

putin closing ceremony

The Winter Games drew to a close Sunday night in Sochi, as host country Russia extinguished the Olympic flame and passed the torch to South Korea. At one point during the closing ceremony, a group of dancers began forming the five Olympic rings, expanding outwards like the mechanical display that famously malfunctioned during the opening ceremony. Once again, the fifth ring remained closed for a nervous few seconds, before finally expanding to complete the formation.

It was a well-executed moment of self-deprecation, and a rather fitting send-off for Sochi, as well. What began as one of the most controversial Olympics in recent memory - rif …

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Meet the Cossacks handing out vigilante justice in Sochi

2014-02-21T11:20:11-05:00

AP Cossack beats Pussy Riot member

The enormous scale of Russia's Olympic security apparatus has been well documented - 40,000 armed forces, 11,000 closed circuit cameras, and an all-powerful electronic surveillance system, all designed to prevent terrorist attacks and domestic unrest at the Winter Games. So far, though, the forces making headlines out of Sochi aren't armed policemen or military guards, but Cossacks: a group of deeply traditional militiamen who are seen as both Olympic mascots and vigilante crusaders, enforcing the kind of conservative moral code that has become a cornerstone of President Vladimir Putin's domestic agenda.

On Wednesday, at least 10 Cossacks a …

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Watch this: Jimmy Kimmel hoaxes Sochi Olympics with wolf in hotel

2014-02-21T09:59:02-05:00

News networks went wild when US Olympic luger Kate Hansen posted a video of what appeared to be a wolf walking around her Sochi hotel Wednesday night, but it turns out that the video is actually yet another elaborate prank by none other than Jimmy Kimmel. On his show last night, Kimmel revealed that his team found a wolf, built a replica of Hansen's hotel hallway, and posted it to her YouTube and Twitter accounts with her permission. Naturally, Hansen's attachment to the video made it quite believable, and it's been viewed nearly 2 million times since being posted just two days ago.

"There was a little bit more backlash than I thought there …

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In dramatic shift, figure skating will allow music with lyrics

2014-02-19T20:13:07-05:00

plushenko figure skating (Paolo Bona / Shutterstock.com)

The ongoing Winter Olympics in Sochi may be the last time you see figure skating in its traditional form. From next season, the singles and pairs programs will allow the use of music backed by vocals, thanks to new rules agreed on by the International Skating Union. Although lyrical music is already commonplace in the ice dancing discipline, which requires couples to skate to a backing track with a beat, most singles and pairs contestants opt for classical accompaniment.

The New York Times has taken an in-depth look at the reactions and implications of the change. "We have to innovate," said Katia Krier, a coach with France's figure skating …

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Olympic snowboarders find advertising loophole in Sochi

2014-02-19T16:13:06-05:00

Sochi 2014 snowboarding

The Olympic Games have strict rules when it comes to advertising, which is why you don't see athletes covered in brand names, NASCAR-style. But some athletes have discovered a loophole - and it's on the bottom of their snowboards. As the New York Times reports, at Sochi 2014 many snowboarders are displaying huge, colorful manufacturer logos on the bottom of their boards, logos which are front and center when the athletes perform high-flying tricks. Though their hardware is a bit smaller, skiers are also getting in on the action - particularly when it comes to holding their skis in photos after winning a medal.

"It's great for awareness."

The …

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Watch Olympic curling narrated by wildlife broadcaster David Attenborough

2014-02-19T05:51:11-05:00

bbc curling screenshot

An alpha female displays her dominance over the herd (BBC / LiveLeak).

For over 60 years, Sir David Attenborough has captivated audiences with his documentaries, covering all manner of flora and fauna. Now, the world's foremost wildlife broadcaster has turned his attentions to a new subject: curling. The Winter Olympics' most bizarre sport is the subject of a playful new video produced by the BBC. "In all my years of exploration, these are the creatures I find most curious," says Attenborough, whose credits include the Life documentary series and Planet Earth (his narration is often replaced for US audiences). If only all Olympic commentary …

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Pussy Riot members detained at Winter Olympics

2014-02-18T06:10:53-05:00

pussy riot barclays

Two members of the Russian feminist punk collective Pussy Riot have been detained near Sochi, Russia, site of the Winter Olympic Games. Russian activist Semyon Simonov tells the Associated Press that recently freed members Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Aloykhina were detained near the Sochi suburb of Adler today, adding that other activists were held by police, as well. They originally believed they were being detained in connection to an alleged hotel theft, but were later told they were being questioned as witnesses, and were released later Tuesday.

In a spate of posts published to her Twitter account Tuesday morning, Tolokonnikova sai …

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Jamaica’s tourism board releases 8-bit style video celebrating its bobsled team

2014-02-16T18:33:59-05:00

The Bobsled Song

The Jamaican bobsled team hasn't shied away from having fun on its route to the Sochi Winter Olympics - the team turned to PayPal and crowdfunding to get the money it needed to return (and got a boost from the oft-charitable Dogecoin foundation). Now that the team is officially at Sochi, Jamaica's tourism board is doing its best to get people pumped for the competition by releasing "The Bobsled Song" - a tune with an amusing and pixelated video meant to be synced up and played alongside the Jamaican team's run. The video directs watchers to start it up right when the team begins its race - but unfortunately, the good vibes from "The Bobsled …

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