Russian former tennis world number one Maria Sharapova believes that the Winter Olympics 2014 will be a success in Sochi.
The country has come under criticism regarding numerous issues, including the poor hotel conditions in Sochi for the media and Russia's anti-gay legislation.
Despite concerns that Sochi would not be ready in time, Sharapova, who spent some of her childhood in the city, is relieved that everything has "come together".
"I am quite confident, this has been a few years in the making and I really hope they can deliver, but I'm really confident that they will," Sharapova told BBC Sport.
"I was here just a year ago visiting my relatives and there was a massive amount of construction. There were so many questions up in the air whether it was going to be ready or not and when I landed a couple of days ago I just had a huge smile on my face that it has all come together."
The Games begin on Thursday.
