This year marks the first time Russia has hosted the Winter Olympics.  Russia has tried hard to prove that they deserve to host the 2014 Winter Olympics by using new technology in their opening ceremony. Known as Shortest Path Bridge technology, the cost exceeded $51 billion and holds the title of the most expensive Olympics in history.

“It was very good, but I still don’t think it can compete with the Beijing opening ceremonies. Also, it was an uh-oh when they messed up on the rings. I bet Putin wasn’t too happy about that,” senior Sara Hearne said.

The 2014 Winter Olympics held 98 events over 15 disciplines in 7 sports.  Further, the committee added a total of 12 new events to make this year’s event the largest Winter Olympics to date.

“Even when countries have political issues, it’s really cool that so many people from so many countries are able to come together and share the same interests,” senior Kelsey McMillan said.

Contrary to the positives of this year’s games, the Sochi Olympics has received much criticism over the country’s human rights record and anti-gay propaganda law. Not to mention, the reports of unfinished hotels, discolored water, roaming stray dogs and the error with the rings in the opening ceremony. There was also the factor that temperature was at 60 degrees and that the half-pipe was too soft. Sochi wins gold for the warmest Winter Olympics.

“Considering the circumstances in Russia at the moment and all the issues that happened I don’t think the Olympics should’ve been held there, but nothing too terrible happened so that’s good,” junior Stefanie Erben said.

Despite all the issues Sochi had, overall it was a successful Winter Olympics. With more than 2,800 athletic participants from 88 different countries, it was clear that Russia put in a significant amount of effort. They used new technology in their opening ceremony, surpassing the estimated $44 billion cost of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

“The Winter Olympics weren’t bad. I don’t think it’s easy to host such a big event and they seemed to put a lot of effort,” freshman Tyler Young said. “I think they did a good job.”

Russia was awarded the most medals, a total of 33, and even though it was not looking well for America in the beginning, we won a total of 28 medals placing us in 2nd.

“I thought it was exciting and great to see everyone so supportive of the USA athletes. My favorite event to watch is the Men’s Hockey. Even though USA didn’t medal, they still played very intense games and I am still proud of them,” senior Stephanie Ines said.