Putin Declines to Make Medal Prediction
Russian President Vladimir Putin would not say how many medals he expects his country's Olympians to win in Sochi.
He made the comments at Thursday’s annual press conference.
According to a post on the English version of the Kremlin website, Putin said all Russians want their Olympians to win.
"But I would refrain from trying to predict a specific number of medals, from counting seconds and points," he said.
"The most important thing, and what I expect from our athletes, is that they demonstrate skill and character, so that we can be pleased for them and with their results."
Canadian PM Skipping Sochi, Kazakh PM Going
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper will not go to the Sochi Olympics.
The Globe and Mail quoted a spokesperson for the PM saying, ""He normally does not attend. Vancouver was an exception."
Russia’s Interfax news agency reported Kazakhstan’s prime minister Nursultan Nazarbayev will also attend the Olympics with the hope of securing support for the Almaty 2022 Olympic bid.
"Hopefully, the Olympic Games in Sochi will be a landmark event," foreign minister Yerlan Idrisov was quoted as saying. "It will be a major event across our space and in the vicinity of Kazakhstan. As you know, Almaty competed with Sochi for the right to host these Olympic Games. We hope that our 2022 bid will be successful. That is why we are interested in Sochi's success and hope that no political or ideological factors will stand in the way of this festival."
Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg was quoted by Norwegian outlets saying she hoped to attend the Games.
"It is not clear yet whether I will be able to go to the Olympics due to my very busy schedule in that month. But I really want to go because it’s important to support the Norwegian sports achievements."
A number of high-profile political figures announced they will skip the Olympics. The decisions have been read as a rebuke of Russia’s policies.
Sochi 2014 chief Dmitry Cherynshenko told Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev that he expects 33 heads of state or government in Sochi.
Germany Selects First Team Members
Germany has selected its first 26 Olympians for Sochi.
On Thursday, the DOSB, Germany’s Olympic committee, made the announcement.
Ten figure skaters, nine sliders in luge, five curlers and two speed skaters were selected. The German team is expected to grow as qualification for the Games has not ended.
DOSB president Alfons Hoerman said the Germans "will have plenty of opportunity to cheer" for the team.
Written by Ed Hula III
20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is AroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.
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