http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b9Ji7DvsjU If you saw the BBC's trailer for the Winter Olympics, you'd be forgiven for thinking that all our athletes are out in Russia fighting to the death in a snowy sequel to The Hunger Games, as Charles Dance grimly narrates their last moments. In its attempt to give small children nightmares, that trailer is doing a stellar job, but this article will hopefully prove to you that the spirit of Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards lives on in Sochi this year. Yep, the 'other' Olympics is actually kind of fun, and if you think it's just sporty people messing about in the snow... you're mostly right, but it is surprisingly entertaining. Check out our 15 reasons why you should be watching this year's showcase of sexy ice dancing, sports which should come with a health warning, and British mediocrity right after the jump.
15. The British Are The Underdogs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAh5LdtYuhc You remember how we were kind of good in London in 2012? If you think Britain is now playing in the big leagues, think again, because our record medal haul at the Winter Olympics is four, and even that's impressive for a nation which panics en masse at the slightest hint of snow. On the other hand, we all love an underdog, and that's what Great Britain is in Sochi; we've got two medals so far courtesy of Jenny Jones and Lizzy Yarnold, and the commentators got so excited at the first one that The Telegraph begged them to "keep it classy" in future.
14. Bizarre Fashion Statements
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MP2U6TCxmGI From the baggy tracksuits and surfer dude hairstyles of the snowboarders to the glittery and sequined figure skaters, the Winter Olympics showcases some of the strangest fashion sense on the planet. The winner of the Least Sensible Outfit award has to be the Swedish skier Henrik Harlaut, whose trackies nearly fell off during qualifying a few days ago. That's commitment to your style.