Sports Illustrated: “On the Edge”

Sochi is close to Russia’s disputed border with Georgia and to the political tinderbox of the north Caucasus. Just how secure can these Games be? Recent history, contemporary politics, geographic reality and the Sochi Olympics are showcased at the interesting story with colorful images title "On the edge” published at Sports Illustrated by Alexander Wolfe, February 14.

With a little humor, Wolfe describes his travels around the many regions of Georgia, and in particular, speaks about Russia’s Olympic ambitions and relations with Georgia. In the piece, a special chapter is devoted to Georgian Luger Nodar Kumaritashvili, who tragically died in a luging accident at the Vancouver Olympics in 2010.

He also focused on famous Georgian Olympians, including 1994 and 1998 Olympian, ski jumper Kakhaber Tsakadze, and figure skater Elene Gedevanishvili, who is currently competing in the Sochi Games.

These Games, taking place on the doorstep of one of the most volatile regions on earth—the Muslim lands of the North­Caucasus — are as much Caucasian as Russian. By virtue of its proximity to Sochi, Georgia is practically a co-host of these Olympics.|/

The author also spoke about Josef Stalin, creator of the Soviet Union and his Georgian heritage, as well as current issue regarding Georgia’s breakaway regions South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Read the full article on: www. sportsillustrated.cnn.com