SOCHI, Russia (AP) In case you're wondering: Yes, people celebrate Valentine's Day in Russia, just like in many other countries.
And fancy dinners, flowers and chocolates are just as popular here as they are elsewhere.
Here's how some athletes and others are marking the day:
- U.S. short track skater Jessica Smith of Melvindale, Mich., got her fiance Mike Kooreman into the athletes' village on a pass that expired in the evening. ''He brought me roses and some chocolates,'' she said. ''We'll probably just to go the cafeteria. It's a real hot date.'' Friday was their third dating anniversary. She says they'll celebrate more when they get home.
- At the curling rink, British curling skip David Murdoch didn't remember, but said he should probably send something to his wife: ''Thanks for reminding me.''
- South Korea skip Kim Jisun said she's ignoring it to train and be with her team: ''It's not a special day for us.''
- IOC spokeswoman Aleksandra Kosterina had a small surprise waiting for her when she got to her daily press briefing: ''Whoever gave it to me, thank you for the valentine.''
- American slopestyle ski bronze medalist Nick Goepper ((at)NickGoepper) sent a series of tweets Friday in search of a Valentine, including one that reads: '''Ya hah-chi loob vee' I'm looking for love- in Russian.'' See it here: https://twitter.com/NickGoepper/status/434311998130499584
- By Oskar Garcia - Twitter http://twitter.com/oskargarcia
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Associated Press reporters are filing dispatches about happenings in and around Sochi during the 2014 Winter Games. Follow AP journalists covering the Olympics on Twitter: http://apne.ws/1c3WMiu
