Sochi  Winter Olympics - Feb 2014

The Sochi Winter Olympics had a weird - but oddly charming - vibe. Despite all the valid complaints about hotels not being ready and much of the area outside the Olympic park looking like a construction zone, the Games were an impressive spectacle. But more than anything they revealed a lot about Russian ambition on the global stage. These were Putin's Games. He tried his best to be a welcoming host. But no one really knew how to react to his smiling tour of Canada Olympic House and other pavilions. We were too much in shock that Putin spoke in English - and so well!  The enormous gleaming stadiums in a warm subtropical location next to the Black Sea was certainly lovely.  But the picturesque venues were often overshadowed by the sterile 'locked down' atmosphere. Secuirty personnel, not surprisingly, over reacted to a Pussy Riot 'happening'. And with the turmoil in Ukraine and the Russian annexation of Crimea just weeks later, who's going to remember that cuddly Russian polar bear mascot? 

You Wanted Lightbulbs in your Room?

READY FOR THE GAMES REPORT - Is Sochi set to host the world? Russia set to hold the most expensive games ever.

THRILLS AND SPILLS - Is Canadian speed skating slipping?

Sochi So Hot

SOCHI HEAT VIDEO BLOG - Taking the plunge into the Black Sea and other warm weather activities at the 'winter' games.

Memorable Moments - Ice Hockey

Perhaps the most thrilling come from behind win in a gold medal Olympic ice hockey game. Marie-Philip Poulin scored the tying goal with 55 seconds left against the US. Then she popped the winner in overtime.

MEN'S SEMI FINAL REPORT - Canadians in Sochi celebrate

CUP CRAZY - The magic of the Stanley Cup