In between the torch reaching the North Pole and Outer Space the games also employed a mythical figure as a torchbearer. Clearly unimpressed with London 2012 wheeling out low-level public servants, Ded Moroz, Father Frost – the Slavic equivalent of Santa Claus, carried the torch around Volgoda whilst driving a wheeled cart drawn by horses.

There was initially a dispute over what Ded Moroz should wear, with organisers originally planning to have the cultural icon dressed in the official Sochi2014 tracksuit rather than his usual blue floor length fur coat and magical staff. Luckily sense prevailed and Ded Moroz told reporters that he was honoured to be part of the procession and would ‘try to make these games the fairest and most honest’.