The winter Olympics kicked off at the Fisht Olympic stadium amidst as much fanfare as lead up controversies. Threats of toothpaste bombs, a diplomatic face off with old rival USA about the non-descript yogurt, run ins with the LGBT community and an Olympic ring not following the script were all hiccups that Russia endured for its show piece event. The cold that the athletes will square up to would certainly not be a match to what the organizers may have fought in getting the games under way. The opening ceremony did well not to display any jitters and went all out in showcasing the new Russia to the world. The Indian contingent had to take the march past under the Olympic flag owing to the chastised IOA which failed to abide by the IOC charter. Just another indicator of how sport is mired in politics and one upmanship in this country. Traditional power houses like the US, Norway and Russia would fight it out on the icy Caucasus slopes and the slippery skating rinks to establish themselves as the kings and queens of cool. Here is a look at some of the legends who have graced the winter Olympics with their super human feats.
Bjorn Daehlie has 8 gold and 4 silver Olympic medals to his name across various cross county skiing events making him the all time leading champion in winter games history. He is an icon in Norway and his additional exploits at the world championship winning an unprecedented 9 golds make him an undisputed legend in skiing. He runs a successful business these days after retiring prematurely in 2001 following a roller skating accident.
Bjorn's compatriot Ole Einar Bjornden is not far behind with 6 golds and 4 silvers and a bronze. The legendary bi athlete, a sport that combines cross country skiing with shooting is considered to be one of the greatest athletes ever. He is one of only three Olympians to have one 4 golds at the same winter Olympics, sharing the record with Eric Heiden and - Lydia Skoblikova.
Lyubov Legorova of Russia has 6 golds and 3 silvers and boasts of being the most successful athlete at the 1992 and 1994 winter games. This cross country skier's career ended in ignominy when she was disqualified at the 1997 world ski championships for doping.
Claudi Pechstein from Germany is a speed skating queen with 5 golds, 2 silvers and 2 bronzes. She is the first female winter Olympian to have won medals at 5 consecutive games. A multiple world record holder in skating, she is also the most decorated German athlete in either the summer or winter Olympic games.
Raisa Smetanina from the erstwhile Soviet Union has bagged a total of 10 medals including 4 gold, 5 silver and one bronze. This Nordic cross county skier is the most decorated female athlete in the winter games along side Italian Stefania Belmondo.