Arms vigil in Sochi. Less than 24 hours before the three shots, the Olympic city is biding its time with a mixture of impatience and confidence in the future. Extremely rare at the Games, this last day of preparation is not marked by any controversy, affair or bone of contention. Everything is rolling. Starting with transport, which is surprisingly smooth between Sochi and the mountain resorts.
As a result, conversations are already shifting towards the opening ceremony, the start of which is scheduled at 20:14 p.m. sharp at the Fisht Olympic Stadium, an enclosure for 40.000 spectators specially built for the event. But when asked about its content and surprises, the Russians remain silent as tombs. We can just learn that it will be very strongly inspired by the history and culture of Russia. And that it should be “Putinesque”.
Eight historical periods will be celebrated during the first part of an evening expected to last 2 hours 30 minutes. The Russian epic was divided into three acts: medieval Russia, the Empire, then the 20th century. The rehearsals suggest a noisy and grandiose production. We will hear the Red Army Choir and, it is said, Vladimir Putin's favorite group, Lube.
In the official forum, the organizers announce the presence of 44 heads of state and government. A record for the Winter Games, the IOC is assured. But none of these political leaders will be able to overshadow the indisputable master of ceremonies: Vladimir Putin. These Games are his, he has never really hidden it. The evening should also be his, before letting the athletes take their place on the Olympic stage.
Note, among the leaders present, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, very shaken in the streets of kyiv, his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe. The latter two should take advantage of their stay in Russia to have bilateral discussions with the Kremlin.
