A major sports event is always accompanied by a mishap or two and the fear of a major security incident, but US reporting of Sochi 2014 has been dismissed in Russia as a 'dampener' and against the spirit of the Olympics.
Many Russians were dismayed by the pre-event reporting on US news networks, following warnings of terror and calling the area a "war zone". The coverage was described as dampening the excitement preceding the event.
There was nothing too remarkable in itself about the warnings of bombs in toothpaste tubes. The London 2012 Olympics event was also carried out under high security amid similar fears. Russia had already reacted to security concerns by restricting liquids and pastes on flights. It is also accepted that Russia will need to continue the security standard already set.
However, it is argued that some media outlets in America were overly creative when expressing their fears, with the warnings of war on the streets totally unwarranted. While it is true that Russia has had a recent struggle with terrorism, if anything it demonstrates that Russia's problems are not that different to America's.
It is felt in Russia there has been a cultural assault on the games for months. Television viewers in both the US and Britain were treated to imagery of poorly constructed toilets, sparsely-furnished hotel rooms and hotel accessories with components falling off. (Presumably by people who have never had the pleasure of staying or living in a "new build" home or hotel in the UK!)
There was also the moment which amused some, when there was a problem with the firework display at the opening ceremony. Russian TV was criticised for switching to footage of the faultless rehearsal display. It is unlikely that anyone else's media would have dealt with the glitch quite so efficiently.
American media lashed out at the firework display coverage as an example of how secretive and window-dressed Russian society remains.
The relative petty nature of pre-Sochi posturing distracts from an issue that many people, especially EU citizens, are concerned about - the status of homosexuality in Russia. The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, argued that while Russia accepts that "non-traditional" relationship activity takes place, it is against providing information on it to children. A new law has criminalised the presentation of information on homosexuality to children.
Critics say that the new law effectively prevents gay rights protests and educative communication regarding sexuality. Many competing nations appeared to respond the concerns at the opening ceremony of Sochi 2012 by wearing highly decorative suits, with the Germans looking particularly colourful.
