Sochi 2014: Romanian delegation lauds Russian organizers

Conditions at Sochi 2014 are appalling, if we are to believe the journalists that arrived on the premises this week. Press representatives from around the world took to social media to post pictures of the hotels they were staying in, while they covered the Olympics.

Pictures of yellow water and unfinished toilet circulated on the web, which prompted the Russian authorities to react.

Dmitri Kozak, a Deputy Prime Minister, said Thursday that with 100,000 guests staying in Russian hotels, there have been only 103 registered complaints (though he didn’t say what constitutes a registered complaint). He also awkwardly alluded to possible government surveillance of hotel rooms in arguing that some Westerners are purposely sabotaging Sochi’s image.

“We have surveillance video from the hotels that shows people turn on the shower, direct the nozzle at the wall and then leave the room for the whole day,” he said before an aide stopped a reporter from asking further questions, according to Time.

The members of the Romanian delegation have no complaints whatsoever, according to the update posted on COSR’s website. The athletes have already started their training and they are satisfied with their “excellent” conditions”.

“Our Russian hosts have given us a warm welcome. Accommodation and the food provided are outstanding, the sports bases are impeccable, and the organisation is impressive”, Ioan Dobrescu, COSR secretary general.

“I don’t know why the press harbors all these rumors. So far, the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi are the most efficient organised ever”, according to the same source.