Russia is celebrating Sochi's winning the right to host the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. The Russian resort triumphed over competing bids from Pyongchang in South Korea and Salzburg in Austria. This report from James Rodgers:

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The Russian President's decision to identify himself so closely with the bid has clearly played a part in Sochi's success. His enthusiasm impressed IOC members. They awarded Sochi the games by a margin of four votes so Mr Putin's high profile may have been the deciding factor. The press and politicians have heralded Sochi's win as a triumph for the whole of Russia.

Despite its strong record in winter sports this country has never before hosted the Winter Olympics. President Putin's compatriots are likely to give him much of the credit for changing that.

James Rodgers, BBC News, Moscow

Listen to the words

the ski slopes
the areas of a hill or mountain which are used for skiing

to capture the moment
to film and record the event

he made his country's case
he argued in support of his country

the bid
the official entry they made to be the hosts of the Games

played a part in
been very important to

by a margin of four votes
with a difference of four votes

the deciding factor
the main reason that they won

heralded
praised and complimented

compatriots
other people from his country

the credit
the congratulations for the success

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