Sochi
latest news & developments
White claims gold, slams ‘gossip’ as winds throw Games into chaos
The US snowboarding great may have won his third Olympic gold, but he still faced questions over sexual harassment claims laid against him
Winter Games not on ice just yet
US and North Korea and a Russian doping ban haven’t dampened spirits or ticket sales
Sochi Olympic torch bearers return from space
A trio of astronauts who carried an Olympic torch for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games into space last year, have landed safely despite bad weather.
Letters to the editor: February 21 to 26 2014
From making fun of Russia at the Winter Olympics in Sochi to focusing on the matric pass-rate standard, here’s what our readers had to say.
Sochi Olympics: What to look out for as speedskating starts
From medal threat Charles Hamelin to Russia’s Viktor Ahn enjoying home-ice advantage, here are five things to watch for during speedskating.
Sochi Olympics kick off with a glitch before fairy tale show
One Olympic ring failed to unfurl but President Vladmir Putin nonetheless declared Russia’s Winter Games open under a burst of fireworks.
Sochi Games: Putin’s project of personal importance
As the Winter Olympics begin, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin hopes that a successful event will enhance the country’s international reputation.
Weekend 101: Putin, politics and looking pretty
Our weekly roundup includes the Harmony Gold mining tragedy, Sochi’s Olympic-sized woes, the Zille-Ramphele debacle, and a lesson on good looks.
‘Sochi for the win’, said no one ever
According to some reporters on Twitter, the Russian Olympics can be described in two words: epic fail. Here are nine hilarious #SochiProblems tweets.
Sochi Olympic flame lit after world’s longest relay
The Olympic flame has reached Sochi, following a 65 000km route, the longest in the history of the Games.
Elton John to Putin: I will show you those abused by laws
Elton John has told Russia’s President Vladimir Putin that he has met Russians abused under legislation banning "homosexual propaganda".
Russia expels US journalist critical of Putin
Russia has barred a US journalist who is critical of President Vladimir Putin for five years, saying he violated his visa regulations.
Russia amps up security ahead of Sochi Games
Russia has launched the largest security operation in Olympic history with one month to go before Vladimir Putin kicks off the Winter Games in Sochi.
SA government condemns ‘terrorism’ in Russia
The government has spoken out against two suicide bombings in the Russian town of Volgograd, in which over 30 people died and many were injured.
Putin welcomes all, including gays, to Russian Olympics
Despite criticism over his treatment of Russia’s gay community, President Vladimir Putin says all people will be welcome to the 2014 Winter Olympics.