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IOC President Thomas Bach recalls magic of 2014 Sochi Olympics

He noted the excellent atmosphere at the competitions in the Olympic park

IOC president Thomas Bach speaks during the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games at the Fisht Olympic Stadium BARBARA WALTON/EPA

IOC president Thomas Bach speaks during the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games at the Fisht Olympic Stadium

© BARBARA WALTON/EPA

GENEVA, February 7. /TASS/. The president of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, has said that he still remembers the magic of the Sochi-2014 Olympics of a year ago. Interviewed by TASS on the occasion of the games’ first anniversary, he said he was still remembering the event with great warmth.

"One year on, I look back fondly at the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014. There were many special moments," Bach said. Norwegian biathlete Ole Einar Bjoerndalen became the most decorated Winter Olympian after winning his 13th medal in Sochi. Russia won more medals than any other country, which was an amazing turnaround after a substandard performance at the Olympic Winter Games Vancouver 2010," Bach said.

"A record number of people watched the Games around the world - a potential audience of 4.1 billion viewers. A dozen great new events made successful debuts in Sochi, including Team Figure Skating, Ski Slopestyle, Ski Halfpipe and Women’s Ski Jumping. More countries - 88 - participated in Sochi than at any previous Olympic Winter Games."

Bach noted the excellent atmosphere at the competitions in the Olympic park.

"What impressed me the most, however, was the Olympic Village, where the athletes could walk to their competition venue in ten minutes. It was here that the athletes, for a few short weeks, showed us that another world is possible. A world where we can compete, but still respect each other, where we can be sporting rivals but still be friends. That spirit was alive and well in Sochi. That is the magic of the Olympic Games.".

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