40 Most Powerful Images Of 2014

During the Sochi opening ceremonies a huge malfunction took place when the five giant animatronic snowflakes, which were intended to transform into an incomplete set of glowing Olympic rings, only became four.

Although Russia did poke fun at itself when the closing ceremony showed performers re-creating the giant set of Olympic rings - but deliberately left one ring closed small to remind the world that they really do have a sense of humour.