Olympic upset sparks Russian Outcry

Russia has experienced one of its worst ever performances at a winter games following the end of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Normally ranked in the top three nations, the team plummeted to 11th place in the medals table with just three golds.

Among the country's worst upsets at the games was the defeat of its ice hockey team.

Dubbed the "big red machine", it was beaten by Canada for the first time since 1960.

Competitive sport is a serious part of Russian culture and tradition, and the results have prompted a massive public and political outcry.

Dmitry Medvedev, the Russian president, has called on officials from the national team to resign.

Neave Barker reports from Moscow.

[March 2, 2010]

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