Russian President, Vladimir Putin Answers Sochi Olympics Critics

Russian President Vladimir Putin has hit back at critics of Sochi Olympics, saying Sochi Olympics "opened Russia's soul" to the world.

"The Olympics were very important for us, because it seems to me ... that they not only opened Russia's door but opened Russia's soul, the soul of our nation - so that people looked and saw that there is nothing to fear," Putin said  in a state TV interview.

He said Russia had faced “conditions of criticism” since being awarded the Olympics, but added that “constructive criticism” from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) played a key part in the success of the Games.

The build-up to the Olympics was marked by threats of militant violence, an outcry over an “anti-gay propaganda” law and corruption allegations surrounding preparations for the Games.