As any city can tell you, hosting the Olympic Games can put you on the map. Prior to the announcement that this years games would be held in Sochi, not much was known about the place and it was hardly a tourist highlight, probably best known for hosting Stalin’s Dacha.
With the games about to start, we already have a member on the ground
Just let me say, I am part of the management team delivering the coverage to be telecast on TEN, ONE and TENPlay from next week. As TEN only secured the rights a few months ago, it has been a challenge arranging everything for the team of 90 travelling to Sochi at the moment. We have a great studio overlooking the indoor venues and the Olympic Torch near the coast and facilities at one venue (Extreme Park) in the mountains where it is hoped Aussies win some medals.
Whilst the Winter Olympics are not as popular as their summer siblings, Australia has had a growing presence in terms of participating athletes across the various sports and more lately medals, even if it did take the entire field bar Steven Bradbury falling over to kick of the medal rush. The 1993 Disney Movie Cool Runnings did wonders for interest in the bobsleigh event, perhaps its why Jana Pittman and Astrid Radjenovic are participating this year, some 14 years after training together for track events prior to the Sydney Olympics?
Will the city be ready, what frustrations will our travellers experience on the long journey to Sochi, what’s the weather like and will there be snow? Follow our intrepid members HERE as they enjoy the Winter Olympics in Sochi – AFF style.
