From horrifying living conditions to threats of a terrorist attack, the 2014 Winter Olympics taking place in Sochi was all anyone could talk about, and not just about who placed what in different events.

When winter athletes, journalists, and tourists first arrived at Sochi, many were faced with a difficult problem: their hotel rooms were not ready. Even when their hotel rooms were “prepared,” guests at the various hotels were faced with an assortment of difficulties. These ranged from wires hanging from the ceiling, becoming trapped in elevators, and dirty tap water that should not be used on faces because it was too “dangerous.” Athletes, journalists, and tourists took to the web to describe some of these horrible conditions. Many described getting stuck in bathrooms and having to break themselves out. Others complained about running out of hot water.

A major concern that arose before the games commenced was the Black Widow suicide bombers. Reports estimated that about 3 female suicide bombers entered Sochi prior to the games. At any time during the Olympic festivities, one of the females could have set off a bomb. Fearing a similar event like the Munich Massacre, which occurred during the 1972 summer Olympics may occur, security stepped up. Two US warships were deployed near Sochi in the event a terrorist attack occurred. This would have allowed US citizens attending the games to be evacuated. Luckily, no terrorist attacks occurred during the games.

A major concern for many animal lovers during the Olympic Games was what would happen to the stray dogs wandering the streets of Sochi. Before the games started, it was made known to the world that any stray dog that was found in Sochi would be killed. However, efforts were made by many shelters located near the Olympic village to take in as many stray dogs as they could find.

 The Olympics are a great to see national fervor within the nation. Despite many of the controversial stories that erupted from 2014 Winter Olympics, it is nice to see that everyone who participated in the Olympics returned home safely.