SOCHI SCENE: Smell the roses

SOCHI, Russia (AP) — International Olympic Committee spokesman Mark Adams and Sochi 2014 spokeswoman Aleksandra Kosterina have been through the grind of 15 daily briefings with reporters during the games.

The hot-button issues raised by the media ran the gamut from complaints about hotels to questions about stray dogs, gay rights, political corruption and Pussy Riot. It’s been long. It’s been grueling at times. And on Saturday, one day before the closing ceremony, Adams presented Kosterina with a parting gift for teaming up with him every day for more than two weeks.