The International Olympic Committee announced on Thursday that the Russian city of Sochi will be ready to host the 2014 Winter Games.
The decision had been pending based on the national law banning “gay propaganda”, but this issue was addressed and reported to not violate the Olympic Charter.
According to the IOC delegation, despite flooding experienced this week and work that has turned much of the city into a muddy construction site, the "magnificent" sporting venues were already completed.
"We often say that there is no time to waste as the clock ticks down to the opening ceremony, and this still stands true," said Jean-Claude Killy.
Killy is the head of the team which visited Sochi for the last time before the Games start in February.
"But to see how far the local organizers have come over the last six years is quite simply remarkable - the competition venues are ready; the spirit of the Games is awakening here; and the athletes, spectators and all others who visit next February can expect a fabulous experience."
A law signed by President Vladimir Putin banning the spread of homosexual propaganda among minors was also dismissed by Killy.
Putin, who has staked a lot of personal and national prestige on the Games, says he expects nothing less than a “brilliant” Games. It will be used to show how Russia has grown since the downfall of the Soviet Union in 1991.
The projected cost of Russia hosting the Games is $50B, which is much more than any other Olympic Games.
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