Legendary former Soviet Union figure skater Irina Rodnina has said that she was overjoyed to have lit the Olympic flame at the opening ceremony of the Sochi Games on Friday.
The 64-year-old did the honours along with former Soviet Union ice hockey player Vladislav Tretiak.
"It seems it's my destiny to do everything as a pair, but it's a fantastic experience," she told Russia Today.
"It's so great that we've been entrusted with such an honour. I hope these games will be extremely exciting - it's always exciting at the Olympics.
"Everything is brand new here, the weather is beautiful and it's creating a festive mood for everyone, especially the athletes - and it's very important, because the Olympics has long been about so much more than just sports."
Rodnina is currently involved in Russian politics.
