Russian athletes have been treated to a pep talk from their President Vladimir Putin in Sochi. On Wednesday, Putin paid a visit to the Olympic Village where athletes from around the world are gathering for the Winter Games' opening this week.
Two days before the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi officially begin, Russian President Vladimir Putin inspected the Olympic village and met with Russian athletes.
He also visited the athletes' training center and examined the menu at the Olympic canteen. He was given a tour of the village by Russia's two-time Olympic gold gymnast Yelena Isinbayeva. Putin reminded the athletes that the Russian public and much of the world will be watching their performance.
"All of the Olympic fans and people watching the games - and we have hundreds, thousands, millions of those - will be carefully following each of your performances. All of us are counting on you, and hoping for your success. We have a young, ambitious team. And I have no doubt that you will do everything to secure victory," Putin said.
A number of foreign journalists earlier complained about their accommodation in Sochi, saying their rooms either weren't ready or lacked the most basic amenities, like clean water or internet access. However most athletes from around the world say they are generally satisfied with their accommodation in Sochi.
The coastal Olympic village, capable of housing some 22 hundred athletes, includes a 24-hour dining hall and an entertainment center. Athletes say they've been happy to see a variety of different foods on the menu, including Asian and Russian, as well as a detailed description of the meals' ingredients, nutritional value and calorie conten. The athletes' focus, however, appears to be on the 98 gold medals - up for grabs after the Winter Games open on Friday.