Sochi Winter Olympics Conclude Japan Secures Second-Highest Medal Count Since Nagano Games

 

On February 23, all events of the Sochi Winter Olympics concluded. The closing ceremony was held at Fisht Stadium in Olympic Park, attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach.

At a post-Games press conference that same day, President Bach stated, "The feedback from participants, including athletes and sponsors, was overwhelmingly positive. I heard many words of praise," expressing his view that the Games were a success. Russia also topped the medal count by country.

 

The ceremony featured a spectacular showcase of Russian culture and art, with approximately 4,600 top performers, including circus and ballet artists, participating. Japanese athletes, including flag bearer Ayumi Ogasawara (women's curling) and figure skaters Yuzuru Hanyu and Mao Asada, entered smiling and watched the ceremony. As the polar bear mascot blew out the flame before it, the Olympic cauldron's fire was extinguished, bringing Russia's first Winter Games to a close after 17 days of intense competition. The Olympic flag was then handed over to PyeongChang, South Korea, host of the next Winter Games in 2018.

Japan won a record eight medals at a Winter Games held outside the country. Team leader Seiko Hashimoto, speaking at a press conference at Japan House, stated, "This is the result of our athletes' sincere dedication to their sports and the solid support provided by their coaches and staff."
(Photo by Fort Kishimoto)