Day 16, Part 2 Winter Olympics

Are you sitting comfortably? Then I shall begin.

Iouri Podladtchikov makes history! A clean sweep by the Dutch! Germany

have won everything so far. Russia has a new superstar. The Olympic

slalom title at 18! She has done it! A piece of history that will never

be forgotten! Great Britain have won the bronze medal! It is gold again

for the Lady of Norway! Zubkov is the champion! Well done, really well

done! He becomes the greatest Winter Olympics in history! Eyes down!

So, here we go, the sun is setting and we're going into the final hours

of the 22nd Olympic Games in Sochi and all of the gold medals have been

won down here on the coast of the Black Sea and up on the Caucasus

mountains. We have seen in the victors and the vanquished united in

this sport, and the host nation has finished at the top of the medals

table and Britain have added the best ever Winter results, and over

the programme we will look back at what happened over the last 16 days

before the closing ceremony begins at four o'clock. As well as

reviewing all of this sport, there were 12 sports that were brand-new,

we will be sharing in, I guess, reflecting the slogan of these

Olympics games, hot, hot competition, cool, cool because the

climate and yours, because it was not just for them, because it with a

game that was for everyone. As the build-up to the closing ceremony, we

will also be looking at the daftness, and it is great fun, the

daftness of the ice skating gala where everyone lets loose, no

judges, no rules, they just go for it. We will also be talking to some

of the experts that worked on the programme, and the of them was the

only British medallist from Vancouver, it was Amy Williams. If

you contrast to Vancouver to this, it was four medals, I know it is not

20, but four is a lot of winter medals for a country that has not

got a lot of these facilities, how successful was this for the team?

Unbelievable. We have got the talent out there, but as you say, a lot of

these athletes get no funding, they travel around the world during the

winter, three dogs in the summer, they do not have the support of the

summer athletes, but we can see with the performance is how much we can

bring home more, so bring on the Olympics in four years time and we

can top that tally again with the success we have got. How proud you

that Lizzy Yarnold was inspired very much by you and the fact that she is

carrying the flag, is that three skeleton athletes in a row carrying

the flag at the closing ceremony? Yes, that is right, because think

get with Shelley Rudman, than myself, and no Lizzy Yarnold. It is

great to have a friend that is bringing home the gold medal, and I

think it proves there is no reason why we cannot just continue this

success and do the same kind of programme that Lizzy Yarnold

states, with going for gold, and all of these schemes get the athletes

into goals, and she was inspired by me four years ago, how many hundreds

of thousands of people will be inspired by watching Lizzy Yarnold

and are curlers and everyone else. How many more can we bring on in

four years time? The last day of the games is a half-day, a lot of what

happens happens in the morning, the Russians had a good start in the 50

K freestyle cross-country and Canada won the ice hockey 3-0 against

Sweden. We can see Canada getting their gold medal, a, they won in

Vancouver in front of their home crowd to make a record 14 gold

medals, and they have had another very, very good Winter Olympics

games, but they were dominant in the men's ice hockey and many

congratulations. But the four man bobsleigh offered an opportunity for

Russia because of the one two, three in the cross country skiing, they

assured their place at the top of the table, but Alexander Zubkov, he

was the pilot for their four, they were the overnight leaders and Great

Britain also had a chance of a medal, because going into the final

run, John Jackson and his GB or team were in sixth place with GB or two

piloted by Lamin Deen in 18th, as this is what happened in that final

run. Welcome to the final day of

bobsleigh, and what a final day it will be. GB won in striking distance

of a bronze medal, but is difficult to look beyond the USA, Latvia and

Russia at the moment. Here we go. Their best start time at the moment

came right at the beginning of yesterday, and that is better. Great

Britain are little bit off the pace, but they are 0.70 seconds off the

lead. Great Britain is a force to be reckoned with. Up next, it is Great

Britain won, come on, a big start is what you need. A magnificent start,

truly world-class. Newly quarter of a second appear, a brilliant slide.

-- nearly a quarter of a second up here. The best we have seen so far.

That was remarkable. It has been a great race, sometimes being involved

in such a close race, it makes it worthwhile and it is enjoyable. This

is Russia two, can they get in with the medals?

They had two hundredths of a second, they are as started by the Brits

also. Great Britain are still in the lead. Have they overcome that starts

deficit? Yes, is the answer. I think the Russians will go ahead of Great

Britain and are chances of a medal are slipping away here. -- our

chances. What can the USA do now? On fire, the Olympic champions, they

want to hang on, they do not just want bronze, they want a gold-medal.

This is going to be right down to the wire. A tab on the left-hand

side. Has he done enough? Yes he has. 0.03 of a second, he absolutely

livid. Two crews left to go, the Latvians are up next, can they do

it? Dynamite pushing. A just start. 20 800s up on USA one. A new first

place, that I am sure. They go into the lead, 0.03 of a second in the

lead at the moment, and they have got it. John James Jackson and his

crew... Here is the crew about to push with a gold-medal. Zubkov and

his team, they have already won the two man. Here they go for the double

entry history. A lovely little corrections steer. You can see the

front runners twitching to avoid a top. This could be the gold medal

winning performance. It looks like Russia is on for it. And it is

Russia who have won the gold medal in the four man bobsleigh! This man,

Alexander Zubkov, he is absolutely fantastic!

I was watching it on Russian television, you can imagine the

reaction of the Russian commentators, Alexander Dorozhko of

who was persuaded out of retirement by President Putin, he has won two

medals on the bobsleigh track, and he used to be a taxi driver, a taxi

driver who would not hang around! If we look at how great John Jackson

was, he has got you, he could not walk a few weeks ago! Yes, he had an

Achilles tendon problem, he had pioneering surgery. The whole team

joins together, they are such a unit. All of the teams, the other

nations, they have noticed it, they've said, what is up with the

boys, they do so well, they are pushed so hard, and to come in

fifth, they are bowled over by this whole experience and what they

managed to achieve. I think that shows you that is hard work and what

they put into it behind-the-scenes. Do you think if they had been able

to get more world ranking points of John Jackson had been fit throughout

the season, they would have started in a different position, which is

crucial, because they were 12th after that? Yes, it 12th world

ranking, that is the start of four-year Olympic ranking, it is

part of the sport, you all know that the conditions can change, it was a

warm day, they kept a lot of the covers down which heated up the ice

a little bit. But the run, when they go down, it deteriorates a little

bit. But for Jacko, he would not been dealing with that, because you

cannot control it, so considering that they pushed really well in

those top bushes and actually, I think his four runs but so

consistent, he was so consistent each time, that last run was one of

the fastest out of the competition. -- those top bushes. The four of

them are on a really great package altogether. Very nearly a fifth

medal for Great Britain, but let us look at the final medal table and

Russia, having had a very slow start hit the front yesterday and extended

their lead over Norway today. Canada owning the podium in

Vancouver and Russia have ruled the rostrum here in Sochi, and also,

Norway very strong and Canada had a good games again, and the United

States, it was OK for them, a few they will feel are missing, and the

Netherlands was so strong in speed skating and they are right up there

and Great Britain finishing in 19 position, thanks to these people.

Every single on the position -- podium has been filled and many of

them will be here for the closing ceremony. Lizzy Yarnold has come

back, she is carrying the flag and the curlers will also be there. Last

night had something special, no medals at stake and no judges but

the ice caters like to round off by just getting out there and having a

blast. Some of the routines are serious and some are just daft! Nick

Buckland and Penny Coomes joined Sue Barker.

This is the Gaelic getting underway. -- Galer. -- gala.

It does not matter today. No judges, just enjoy it. That was the first

time she had jumped! I had not noticed because skating was just so

beautiful. -- her skating. Well, she has certainly made us

smile! That was Mao Asada. And what might have been such a motion at the

end of her free programme, she burst into tears because she wanted to

give one last great performance, she had the silver medal four years ago

and was sold as appointed after the short gram and all of that emotion

just flooded out. But she nailed that programme. And she was under

such pressure, the mark of a true champion to be able to come out and

do that. She was criticised by the Federation because they were

desperate for her to be on the podium. Here comes their

combination, I think. There we are. One of the lasting memories. They

have always had strong skills. And this season they have really pushed

the boundaries. They have come up with exciting things. And they have

done a great job. She is the face of Pantene here in

Russia as well, I have seen all of those posters.

Wasn't that nice as well? And they walk away from this Olympic Games

with a gold medal and a bronze medal. So much to be proud of. These

are going to be the two athletes that will be challenging. Yes, the

ones for the future. Do you follow what they do and see what they be

forming? I think, throughout the season, we always watch the

performances at other competitions, just to see what our competitors are

up to. I definitely recognise some pieces of the exhibition from their

free dance. Some of the lifts. They won gold in the team event. That was

hard music to skate two. -- to. The crowd always likes something

lively that they can get behind. Yes, they like to get involved! And

they love to see elements, just like that.

Well, what a wonderful Olympic Games they have had, silver and gold. And

we will see the gold medallist, Maxim Trankov, in the second half of

this. They will be the last people to skate. 12,000 people here in this

arena and the Russian skaters, needless to say, getting a huge

ovation. And very nice that they are still trying those difficult moves,

even though we see they can relax. Pulling out all of the stops. With

music from Rolling Stones. She has been European champion so times.

Carolina Kostner. And I am sure this will be very special.

Very young, we should look better and how she the programme. Her

component marks were absolutely huge. So expressive on the ice. --

we should look at her. She was absolutely captivating. This

is figure skating at its best. She has not put a foot wrong Seoul

Olympics games, and this has been no different. -- this whole Olympic

Games. Absolutely. It would be hard to beat that today here in this

beautiful gala. She has done it all, world champion, European champion,

now she has been on the Olympic podium, and that is what she wanted

more than anything with her third attempt, and she will say goodbye at

the end of this season, and boy, she has been a joy to watch over the

years, and lovely to see her at her best here in Sochi.

The grace and the beauty is second to none when she is on the ice. She

is absolutely gorgeous, you cannot take your eyes off her. Next, this

skater really let -- lit up this event.

She makes those triple jumps look so easy. And I saw footage of from the

age of ten landing triple jumps right the way through. She has been

an amazing skater. Maybe felt a few nerves in the ladies Championships,

but she looks rock-solid tonight. She has still got a lot of

developments to do in terms of skating skills, still has got a lot

of room to grow, so the next few years, we will see some special

performances from this young girl. That is definitely something to look

forward to. That is her trademark Spain. She can

hold it for as long as she likes, she has got no time limit for this

programme. -- that is her trademark spin.

That is flexibility for you, and what a wonderful way to start this

Olympic gala. All of the talk earlier on about the return of

Yevgeny Pleshenko, but this girl is still the show, and electrifying

performances. As we hear from Nick and Penny, she is one to watch, just

15 years of age, another four years, the next Olympics, she will

be heading for the gold medal. You can tell by the way that she carries

herself on the eyes, she is very disciplined. -- carries herself on

the ice rink. She has an amazing presence, the

home crowd really enjoyed that, but we will bring you more highlights

shortly, first, these are the scenes live in the Caucasus Mountains,

earlier you saw the Caucasus Mountains, earlier use Saudi fished

stadium where they are getting ready for the closing ceremony. -- earlier

you Saudi Olympic Stadium Ribera getting ready. It will be converted

into a football stadium, and this park will contain part of the

Formula one track that will be here for the first-ever Russian Grand

Prix in October, but the crowds are pouring in for the last time in

terms of the Winter Olympics. If you think of the fears that people had

coming here, the concerns about the host nation and that the athletes

had that maybe things would not be quite as they had known. Well,

Matthew Pinsent has been part of the team and you have been to ten

Olympics, winter and summer, and what do you think about what you

imagined it would be like and the reality of it? Yes, absolutely,

there were worries about the logistics of putting it on, they

spent billions of dollars on this, and I think there was a question

about work and that money have gone with Mac how is it going to last?

What is the legacy? But the experience of it all, the experience

of being here. He will find his mate in a moment! Yes, the events have

been stunning, the offence on the mountains, the weather has played

ball, I think it is a big tick. -- the events on the mountains. These

were concerns that this would be the opportunity for a President Putin to

start the personal ethos honest, I am not sure that we have seen a lot

of him, he has been to some event, the ice hockey did not work out as

well as he helped, but the sport proving that it cannot be predicted

and it cannot be used for political means. It was very interesting, the

opening ceremony, when the IOC president said, do not use this as a

pedestal for political manoeuvring, and I think broadly, the Russians

have agreed to that, or certainly towed that line, as you say. Badaber

Putin was certainly in evidence, but I do not think that he was

grandstanding. -- President Putin. There was a rumour that he went to

the bobsleigh, I did not CM, he might have been there. If we can

imagine it, for the London Olympics, our Prime Minister was all

over that a lot more than President Putin has been here, so we cannot be

that judgemental about what he has done. The other issue has been drugs

testing, six athletes tested positive today, do you think that

the balance is changing? In the past, it was always the case that

the cheaters were ahead of the testers. That was always the rumour.

Do you think the testers are catching up? Well, by their very

nature, the cheaters are invisible. I have been of the opinion that

catching people is the good thing, even at the games having positive

testing at high profile, that is a good thing. I think the testing is

getting better. It is very difficult to say what the gap is. It's depends

on budgets, if you look at the budget for Lance Armstrong, he was

only an Olympic athlete for a tiny part of his career, but people with

money to spend will usually find a way around and the saving grace

again usually for Libby Catholics, is that they do not have a budget.

There is not a standard. -- saving grace, usually for Olympic athletes.

You cannot say. , sport is clean, that is that the idea that we were

aiming for. Transport is normally a worry for athletes and people

working in the games, that has been fantastic year, they invested in the

road going up to the mountains which made it much more accessible than we

have known in the past. You have been up and stand today. And unlike

a normal Olympic city, normally you have the city downloader for the

main venues, and then you have the mountains up-other events, but they

are so closer here. And security slows people down, but they seem to

be very efficient, I know they have a wall of steel, there are war ships

out in the Black Sea, there are security, Army people up the

mountains. They obviously were massively concerned about security.

You're not securing a city which is a challenge in itself, like we were

trying to do in London, in a Winter Olympics city, you have got

thousands of acres to protect. They worried about people coming over the

hills, and that was very difficult for them. But thankfully, there has

been barely a flicker of that, and long may that last. We will be

talking to Graham Bell and Ed Leigh shortly, but we're going to take you

back now to the ice skating Gala and enjoy more of those routines in the

company of Britain's number one ice dancing Koppel, Nick Buckland and

Penny Coomes and also Sue Barker. -- ice dancing Coppell.

This pair, they love to entertain, this is perfect for them.

The crowd are clapping along already.

They have chosen this music to say that they have had the time of their

life dancing over the years, and they have loved it. They have

innovative programmes and always deliver personality.

Absolutely lovely. That is the way to do it in this gala. That is what

the crowd has come here to see. They have always offered something

different over the years and they have decided to call it a day. But,

Nathalie Pechalat, it has been lovely watching you. So many

different moods, spanning the old and the new system and making it

work in both. Great champions over the years. Not only podium but so

much to be proud of. They always offer something different to watch.

That was really nice tonight. Such a nice routine. And those words meant

a lot to them. They have had the time of their lives. Enjoying their

skating over the years. Great champions. One of the most popular

skaters. Fernandez. You can see why he is one of the

favourites! Here's just fantastic! He is going to make himself busy! --

dizzy. That is how to deliver a show! That

is the best performance of the night. He had the crowd in his hand

all the way through. So entertaining, Javier Fernandez. Such

a disappointing Olympics for him, he was third after the short programme

but he finished fourth. Great just to hear how popular he is. He has

won the European Championships twice and I am sure he will be on the

podium again soon. It has been disappointing for him but just look

at how much he is progressing and he has moved up the ranks. Overall, he

should be really pleased with himself. He has got plenty of time

ahead of him. Even a medal at the next Olympic Games.

The Queen, as she is known. So much controversy when she got the silver

medal. And that rumbles on and on. # IMAGINE. She has certainly left her

mark on figure skating and watching this, you can certainly see why.

Well, another mesmerising performance from Kim Yuna. She might

be taking home silver, but for many people watching that flawless

programme, they gave her the gold and that controversy will rumble on.

But she has a gold medal from four years ago. And she has been the

greatest ladies cater for many years. It was great that she came

back to compete one more time. It was not the medal she came for but

she has certainly given us some lasting memories. And beautiful

routines. That was an effortless quality. In everything she does on

the ice. Next, two of the most pop skaters. Tessa Virtue and Scott

Moir. They have been a huge inspiration to Penny Coomes and

myself. You can just see the chemistry. They are certainly worth

the Olympics over medallists. And the champions from Vancouver. --

were the Olympic silver medallists. They have such a different style.

Something so delicate, absolutely. They have the ability to draw you

end with such simple movements. You cannot take your eyes off them, and

they are not doing such difficult steps.

They tell a story and they create their own little bubble and the

passion between them just draws you in. And you are just mesmerised by

their connection. There are beautiful routine in

Vancouver will never be forgotten and after winning silver, Scott went

back onto the ice afterwards and he kissed the Olympic rings. That was

like saying goodbye. And we will be very sorry to see them going. Great

chemistry, great quality in their skating always.

Be forgotten Russian skater one week ago. She claimed the gold medal in

the ladies Championship. She skated right before us in the

European Championships and this is a very nice routine she has got.

I am not sure that was supposed to happen, but she is improvising.

It is nice that this programme has two parts to it, so at first, we see

her with the silk creating some beautiful touches. And now, she's

going to show offers -- of her skating skills as well.

A lovely routine, and what she has shown a searing Suchy, she is

athletic, she is super cool under pressure. And she made history being

the first woman to win the ladies championship. They have been so

dominant in all the other disciplines but never won the

ladies, and she has done that here. She has been celebrated here by the

crowds. So many flowers and cuddly toys being thrown onto the ice rink

to say well done, we're proud of you. CHEERING

That was a lovely farewell to Suchy from the Olympic champion. --

farewell to this sliding crew finished fifth up

at the Sanki Sliding Center, Jacko, it is incredible that you are back

and fit and healthy, but how do you reflect on that performance? Is it

great, or is it oh, so close? For the team, it is a great performance,

we gelled and worked well as a team, and we almost got a medal, but we're

disappointed at all. We put in a good performance for Great Britain.

Ruse, how much admiration do you have for this pilot and how well did

the team work together? Absolutely, it is testament to his dedication

and his rehab that we are all here today, and it is just incredible. We

were or appearance to Jacko. What was it like, with the Russians in

front, it must have been manic with the crowd? It was, it was very

loud, I missed the queue to get into the start position because of the

noise, but luckily, I was saved and I managed to start really well. That

is what he does! And much of a pleasure has it been in getting out

there and racing? By far, the best thing I have ever done in my life, I

am so happy to be here with my crew and we have done so far, so many

people helped us to get here. What happens now, do you go back and race

again soon or do you have a break? Myself and John have the

inter-services military competition that we will compete in, but then we

will have a break. You're getting better and stronger and in the end,

you were very close to a medal, that final run was right up there, do you

think you can build on this for 2018? You thinking four years ahead

or are you thinking, oh, God is no more? ! I am thinking year by year,

one or two years ahead I would like to stay in the sport, but I need to

pass on the rings to Bruce or one of the other guys here, so 2018, that

would be for one of these guys, if I am still here in 2018, then bruises

and is doing his job! -- then Bruce is not doing his job! You would like

to see more young people come through? Yes, I would like to stay

for a few years to bring more funding in and to help with the

development, but at some point, I have got to pass it over and

hopefully these guys will do the job. To rhetoric watching you, so

exciting, congratulations, and specifically, Jacko, congratulations

are coming back after a serious injury! -- to rhetoric watching you.

Now, I wonder how the games have looked from afar, here is a review

from Eddie Butler. Suchy, so Olympic Lee temperature

control at its finest. As these first Winter games in

Russia, being first wasn't what it seemed. To be the first champion is

Olympic immortality. A first for Slopestyle, being the first to get

on the rails. A fantastic finish to a fantastic day. A first for the

women who do not twist and turn and cut the air with their skis as

knives, but to float on turning boards as cushion. This will never,

never be forgotten. And floating men also, so how much drama and grace of

this. From Belarus, the highest mountain is just over 1100 feet

high, 1100 feet on which to rehearse the aerial excellence. In the

halfpipe, one American stood not just for excellence but for

supremacy. He was his sport. But not here. Oh, no, Shaun White is human

after all. It became a trend, the surprise winner. The husband and

wife double medal combination. Can he steal the gold from Miller? Yes

he can! Was a time when the Nordic nations frowned on alpine

frivolity. In Nordic skiing, it is all about distance and then more

distance. But the Norwegians still go the extra mile, but they seem to

have embraced the emotions of one man. The are Lady, lovingly turning

herself to rust. Mina Andreeva the Ireland lady.

13 medals in total, eight of them gold, speed isn't everything, or

winning gold. Vanessa Mae, hands that can fly and feet that slid

wonderfully to last place. There are still a place with those that do not

sit on top of the leaderboard. There is always appreciation for those who

do not sit on the winner 's heels. But nothing beats the Olympian who

will not be beaten. The tight finishers of the Olympics. These

last gasp effort raised the temperature so high that all of the

icy conditions girlie men -- the icy conditions nearly melted.

Wonder. Four. Lots more later in the programme. The sunshine has left,

all of the lights are coming on in the Olympic Park as we are building

towards the closing ceremony which starts at 4pm. Eddie mentioned the

young sportsmen, there were 12 deadly sports here, but it was a

snowboarder with the age of experience that won Great Britain

its first medal. Jenny Jones has been winning X Games titles for the

past decade to little or no acclaim at home, but this time, she got a

chance, a shot at an Olympic medal, and when she won it, the whole of

the mountain celebrated with her. Jenny Jones! Jenny Jones has taken

the first-ever Olympic medal per Great Britain on snow! Chemmy Alcott

from Great Britain. Come on, Jenny! A good start from

Zoe. Great Britain's Billy Morgan. Jamie

Nicholls for Great Britain! Very nice! Emma Lonsdale. One of the

best we have seen so far. There is the double! Beautiful landing!

Here comes Dom Harington! Come on, Dom Harington! Solid!

It is very, very heavy, and it is around my neck! And Jenny Jones is

watching at home, and this is what you're missing! The Canadian Olympic

fans dressed as Elvis! Letters reflect with grey and with Ed, Jenny

Jones, her achievements over the years, it is something that may not

been possible at the beginning of her career, because it did not

exist. It is like a plot from a movie, she started out as a chalet

girl doing a season in the Alps, and spent ten years later, she is a

medallist at the X Games, and now she is an Olympic medallist. The

team, they adore her, she is so gentle and calm, everyone