IOC officials expect secure Olympics despite bombings near Sochi

"All necessary security measures are provided for, and extra security measures in light of the act of terrorism in Volgograd will not be taken, because everything needed is done," Russian Olympic Committee President Alexander Zhukov said.

By David Wharton

Dec. 30, 2013 12 AM PT

The president of the International Olympic Committee has expressed confidence that Russian officials can deliver a “safe and secure” 2014 Sochi Games despite the terrorist bombings that killed at least 31 people in nearby Volgograd.

In a statement released Monday, Thomas Bach denounced the “despicable attack on innocent people.”

“I am certain that everything will be done to ensure the security of the athletes and all the participants of the Olympic Games,” Bach said.

The suicide bombings took place Sunday at a railway station and Monday on a crowded trolley bus. No group has claimed responsibility.

Russian Olympic Committee chief Alexander Zhukov told R-Sport that no extra security measures would be adopted for the Games, which are scheduled to begin Feb. 7.

“All necessary security measures are provided for, and extra security measures in light of the act of terrorism in Volgograd will not be taken, because everything needed is done,” he said.

Russian officials have talked about creating lock-down zones around the Black Sea resort of Sochi beginning in early January, but Zhukov said that the security presence will not be overt.

“If you remember London, on the roofs of houses there were snipers and rocket complexes, despite the protests of the locals.” he said. “There were also military personnel on the streets, but we will not have this.”

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