The 2014 Winter Olympics start Friday in Sochi, Russia, but the controversies surrounding the games have made headlines for weeks now -- from LGBT rights to terrorism fears and environmental disasters.
The latest news this week includes nightmarish hotel rooms, animal rights and yogurt delivery embargoes.
Yet, as the games are set to begin, the attention will likely refocus on the Olympic athletes. NBC paid $775 billion to secure the U.S. broadcasting rights to the games, giving viewers more than 539 hours of coverage. The commencement ceremony airs Friday, and 98 events in 15 winter sports will keep going till the closing ceremony on Feb. 23.
But before all that happens, the athletes must first play out a dress rehearsal for the biggest event of their lives. A collection of behind-the-scenes images as athletes prepare and a city finishes its final touches are below.