Where in the world is Sochi?
This year’s Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games are being held in Russia for the first time, in the city of Sochi in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai region, or more specifically the ski resort of Roza Khutor in nearby Krasnaya Polyana (I can’t pronounce it either). Whilst the controversy over gay rights legislation continues and there is more talk of boycotting the games, athletes are making their way to the slopes to begin on February 7th.
One of the best things about winter, in my opinion, is snuggling up on the sofa with a blanket, food and great telly. The Winter Olympics provides the best viewing as you get to watch incredible sportsman and women out in the bitter Russian mountains, all the while staying warm and stuffing your face. Perfect! Besides, watching people do sports is basically half the work of getting fit yourself, right?
Of course no sporting event is complete without a bit of eye candy, so I’ve done some digging and found the Sochi ones to watch:
Bode Miller, 36, USA downhill skiing: although a bit of an older one Miller is not only one of the most decorated athletes competing at the games this year, but he also does manly facial hair and a smouldering gaze so well…
Shaun White, 27, USA snowboarding: White has been on the snowboarding scene for a while, and this year is looking really hopeful to come home with medals…and probably a few stolen hearts as well.
James Woods, 22, Britain freestyle skiing: Woods may be younger but he has already been incredibly successful on the freestyle scene and has been cited as one of the Independent’s “ones to watch”, and not just for his skills on skis…
But the stars won’t just be on the slopes – in typical Russian fashion, bits of the Chelyabinsk meteorite which fell to earth a year ago (you’ve probably seen the spectacular videos of it, like this) have been embedded into ten gold medals. To make sure you don’t miss these spectacular games, tune in on the BBC from Thursday 6th February, beginning at 3.30 pm.