When you think of Russia, what do you think of? The fur hats? The cold weather? The enormous piece of land that is? But do you ever think about the athletes?

All eyes were on Russia this February as it hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics. Despite the stories of the horrendous living conditions, terrorist threats and political history of the country, the Olympic officials did not hold back from trying to prove the country’s ability to perform.

Russia came out on top with a grand total of 33 medals including 13 gold, 11 silver, and 9 bronze. In second place, was the United States with 28 medals and Norway falling close behind with 26 medals in total.

Even though the United States did not win the most medals, Springbrook students are showing good sportsmanship.

“Honestly, I am proud of all the countries that have sent their most qualified athletes to create a spectacular 2014 Olympics. I’m glad Russia had won. They had some extremely good athletes like Plushenko and Lipnitskaya,” senior Shayne Rasco said.

As the host country, Russia was under a lot of pressure to outperform the other countries and win the most medals. Early in the games, Russia and the United States stayed at the top, alternating between who held the lead in the medal count.

Russia relied heavily on its hockey team but when it failed to live up to expectations, it was up to the figure skaters to be extremely successful. The skaters did not fail their country in the competition as they won five medals in the figure skating competitions which helped put them in the lead.

Russian teams also benefited heavily from the cross-country, biathlon and alpine skiing categories. Russian athletes medaled in each of these events.

Although the United States did not earn the most medals, the athletes still achieved great accomplishments during these games. United States alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin made history when she became the youngest alpine champion in the history of the winter olympics at the age of 18. She joined Missy “The Missile” Franklin who also received the honor of youngest athlete to win gold in swimming also at the age of 18.

The US team also made headlines with its clean sweep at the slopestyle skiing competition. All three medals were awarded to American athletes Joss Christensen, Gus Kenworthy and Nick Goepper.

The Unites States’ success has been greatly received by Americans.

“I am also ecstatic for USA especially Sage Kotsenburg! Anyway, I am extremely happy that I was able to witness something extraordinary like the Olympics. It makes me want to be an Olympian as well, although I am extremely uncoordinated,” Rasco said.

The Winter Olympics were also a joyous occasion for Jamaica. In previous years, Jamaica had been unable to fund any teams to go on to compete internationally. This year, however, the Jamaican bobsled team was eligible to go and was able to raise enough money to compete in the games. The team placed 30th in the two runs of the competition, placing them in last place.

There were many countries that achieved great milestones in these Winter Olympic Games and everyone is looking forward to what the next games will bring. The next Winter Olympic Games will be held in Pyeongchang, South Korea in 2018.