Russia’s deputy PM: ‘Our athletes have not enjoyed as much success as we would’ve hoped’

Russian leader expecting more Olympic medals

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Anton Zhukov is looking forward to a big finish from his country’s athletes to salvage what’s been a disappointing Winter Olympics.

Speaking at a news conference Monday about the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Zhukov acknowledges that “our athletes have not enjoyed as much success as we would’ve hoped.” But he says there’s still time to catch up.

Sure enough, Russians won a pair of bronze medals in cross-country skiing Monday afternoon to give the nation 10 medals with 37 events remaining at the Vancouver Olympics.

Russians won 22 medals at the 2006 Turin Olympics.