Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Russia's disappointing performance at the 2010 Winter Olympics must be thoroughly analyzed and rectified before the Sochi 2014 Games.
"This of course gives us a reason for a serious analysis and organizational conclusions. We need to change the situation and create the conditions for a [successful] performance at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi," Putin said.
With three days of the Vancouver Games remaining, the Russian team has managed to win only three gold medals - compared to eight at the 2006 Olympics in Turin. The post-Soviet drought in ice hockey continued in spectacular fashion with a 7-3 loss to Canada in the quarterfinals, while decades of dominance in figure skating came to a dramatic end.
"Of course, we must not forget those who achieved considerable results, who won gold or those who were one step away from winning it. They have shown the true Olympic spirit," Putin said.
Besides three gold medals, Russia has so far won four silver and six bronze medals in Vancouver.
At the 2006 Turin Games, Russia won 22 medals, including 8 gold, taking fourth place in the overall medals standings. The 13 overall medals equals the 2002 total, but five golds were won in Salt Lake City.
TYUMEN, February 26 (RIA Novosti)
