On the Scene - Killy Says New Russia Makes Sochi Olympics

(ATR) Winter sports legend Jean Claude Killy says the Sochi Olympics in 2014 will be the product of a "New Russia".

Killy, triple gold medalist at the 1968 Winter Games, delivered that assessment at the end of the latest visit of the IOC commission he chairs that oversees preparation for the Sochi Games, its seventh visit.

Asked by Around the Rings how the experience of Sochi 2014 compares to similar roles with Turin and Salt Lake City, as well as leadership of the 1992 Games in Albertville, he responded with passion and vigor.

"With the intellect of these people, we’re talking about the Olympic Games in the Russian Federation and as Mr. [Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry] Kozak says we’re talking about the "New Russia", we’re talking about new energy here in Russia and this has never happened before," he said.

"These are major projects in the world," Killy added.

"Emotionally, you cannot compare but to see all these people working so hard and now you can see the results on TV," he said referring to this past weekend’s inaugural alpine World Cup test event at nearby Rosa Khutor Resort.

The IOC Coordination Commission spent three days in the mountains near Sochi. The schedule included meetings, venue tours and a visit with Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, who reiterated the nation’s strong support for the 2014 Games.

Tuesday afternoon’s press conference took place at the Grand Polyana Hotel in Krasnaya Polyana with Killy and Kozak joined by Olympic Games Executive Director Gilbert Felli and Sochi 2014 President and CEO Dmitry Chernyshenko.

"723 days are left to the opening of the Olympic Winter Games – time is running fast," said Killy in his opening remarks."The World Cup that took place on Saturday and Sunday was very successful. Sochi has become visible on the world map for its winter sports. The downhill races were very picturesque and impressive and it was the first very positive event on the Olympic track."

Killy quickly expressed his complete faith in the Sochi 2014 organizing committee.

"The IOC truly believes in the organizing team with preparations for the Games," he said.

Kozak, sitting immediately to the left of Killy, responded: "We have reached the final part of the preparations for the Olympic Games. Now we have to continue to hold test events at the highest level. We have no doubt that we will accomplish all of the goals set forth for us."

"There is shared optimism for us and the International Olympic Committee," Kozak said.

"The Winter Olympic Games are the most complicated event to organize in the world and we shouldn’t forget this," Killy added.

Chernyshenko was asked about speculation that construction of some venues and infrastructure was behind schedule, particularly of concern with next winter’s substantially expanded schedule of test events.

"All will be delivered by 2012," said Chernyshenko, referring to next winter’s competitions at all venues. "I can only ring true that all the infrastructure is on track. And we will welcome you in Sochi next season for the massive amount of test events."

Also addressed at the press conference was the exceedingly high level of security seen during this past weekend’s alpine World Cup. A journalist alluded that perhaps the athletes might have felt uncomfortable with numerous armed security and special forces units on the mountain.

"Given to security, we have discussed it with the Coordination Commission and it’s always difficult to come to an event where people don’tknow the risk of the event," said Felli.

"If something would have happened this week, everyone would have written about that instead of that there is too much security. It’s a matter of balance," he said.

Chernyshenko also touched upon fears that hotel owners might raise prices –even in the realm of 6,000 Rubles per hotel room –making the Games unaffordable for the vast majority of people.

"It has already been regulated with the bid committee," he said. "The owners guaranteed certain rates that were comparable with other bid cities. The Russian Federation assures that these promises would fully be realized."

He also confirmed that 96 percent of contracts have been signed with city hotel owners amounting to 39,000 rooms provided and governed by Sochi 2014.

Kozak added about the hotels: "Now they are qualified with an international standard level. It is a very important part of the legacy indeed."

One final issue addressed was that the weekend’s ski races were not open to spectators, and crowds were sparse with only those credentialed permitted to attend.

"This year we have adopted this decision," said Kozak. "Next year with the high level of events there will not be restrictions for fans and I am sure there will be many more people who come to take a look at these events."

Although Killy and his team are departing Sochi, events will continue this week with a women's alpine World Cup taking center stage, beginning with downhill training on Wednesday and races this weekend.

However, with heavy snow forecast over the days ahead, Sochi 2014 and race organizers could potentially face their biggest challenge yet.

Written by Brian Pinelli in Sochi .