Sochi Olympics

The Paralympic flag, left, is seen beside the Russian national flag during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, March 7, 2014.

The Paralympic biathlon involves rifle shooting, even if you can't see

Kevin Burton was a Navy linguist when, suddenly, he started losing his sight. He took his new disability as an opportunity to become an elite athlete at the Sochi Paralympic games, in an event that requires shooting a rifle.

The Paralympic biathlon involves rifle shooting, even if you can't see
Moscow's pedestrian underpasses technically have ramps, but you wouldn't want to go down them in a wheelchair. Some of them are pitched at a 45 degree angle.

Russians are turning out like never before for Paralympians in Sochi

Russians are turning out like never before for Paralympians in Sochi
Sochi

Ukraine is damaging Russia's $50 billion Olympic makeover

Ukraine is damaging Russia's $50 billion Olympic makeover
The Soviet-era central government complex in Sukhumi was nearly destroyed during the destructive 1992-93 war of secession that killed more than 20,000 people and forced more than 200,000 ethnic Georgians from their homes.

Abkhazians are missing out on Russia's $51 billion Olympic party

Abkhazians are missing out on Russia's $51 billion Olympic party

After all the talk about security in Sochi, things have been pretty smooth

After all the talk about security in Sochi, things have been pretty smooth

It takes more than a few medals to make someone an Olympic hero

These days, we often admire sports stars as heroes because they are winners. Olympic Historian David Wallechinsky says that's not the Greek tradition, nor should it be the way we define Olympic heroes. He gives The Takeaway host John Hockenberry some examples of Olympians who fit his definition of hero.

It takes more than a few medals to make someone an Olympic hero
Children pose for a picture outside of the Sochi Olympic Park.

The Sochi Olympics project a happier, friendlier Russia. Locals wish that were true

Russia is projecting a new image at these Olympics: a helpful, welcoming Russia. Suddenly police are friendlier, politicians meet with activists, people are recycling. It's a version of Russia a lot of people would like to have, but it may not last beyond the games.

The Sochi Olympics project a happier, friendlier Russia. Locals wish that were true
Russia's President Vladimir Putin (C) visits Team Ukraine House at the Olympic Park during the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics Games February 15, 2014.

Is Ukraine's violence overshadowing Putin's Olympics?

As the Olympics wind down this week, the world's attention focuses on the violence that has erupted in neighboring Ukraine.

Is Ukraine's violence overshadowing Putin's Olympics?
Russia Bobsled

Visitors to the Sochi Olympics are enthralled, residents are less so

The worries about unfinished hotels and possible terrorism at the Olympics have receded as people the world over have become enthralled with the athletes and the competition. But when the games wrap up, Sochi residents are wondering if their city's big projects will get completed.

Visitors to the Sochi Olympics are enthralled, residents are less so
A copy of Argumenty i Fakty, a weekly newspaper from Moskow, is on sale at a Brighton Beach shop.

In the Russian-American community of Brighton Beach, the Sochi Olympics are big

To get a taste of Sochi, without the hassle of traveling to Russia, step into New York's Brighton Beach neighborhood. The Russian enclave in Brooklyn is where you'll find the Olympic games on every available TV.

In the Russian-American community of Brighton Beach, the Sochi Olympics are big
Team USA's new 2-man bobsled is set to make its Olympic debut this weekend in Sochi.

US bobsledders go for gold next week, driving a BMW

The US once dominated the 2-man bobsled competition at the Winter Olympics — 80 years ago. Now they hope to win gold in Sochi, by driving "The Ultimate Sledding Machine."

US bobsledders go for gold next week, driving a BMW
Skier Yohan Goncalves Goutt of the Timor-Leste Olympic team carries his country's flag during the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.

Can you name this Olympic skier and his snowless country?

Yohan Goncalves Goutt is the first-ever Olympic skier representing East Timor —the small island nation in Asia. But do you know what East Timor is officially called at the Olympics? That's our flash Geo Quiz for you today.

Can you name this Olympic skier and his snowless country?
Downhill Skiing Gold

Two downhill skiers tie for an Olympic gold medal, but did one actually win?

The joint gold medal is a first for any skiing event in Olympic history. It's the result of the quirky nature of time keeping.

Two downhill skiers tie for an Olympic gold medal, but did one actually win?
Viktor ahn

How did a South Korean Olympic speed skater end up skating for Russia?

For these athletes, who may be competing for a nation they're only tangentially connected to, it's about fulfilling an Olympic dream — and filling out an Olympic roster.

How did a South Korean Olympic speed skater end up skating for Russia?
Paul Varadian

The Olympics are launching small-town Sochi into an international sports-hosting future

A Boston business consultant has watched Sochi transform from a town that rarely saw foreigners into Russia's future sports-hosting venue for international competitions, including the 2018 World Cup.

The Olympics are launching small-town Sochi into an international sports-hosting future