THE Scot spearheading Team GB's bid for glory at the Winter Olympics has promised to support any competitor who wishes to speak out against Russia's anti-gay legislation.
Chef de mission Mike Hay, the former international curler from Perth, said the British Olympic Association would not impede any athlete wishing to make any such statement, and would ensure it was made in a safe environment and their security would not be compromised.
The 56-strong Great Britain team, including 18 athletes from Scotland, will take part in the opening ceremony in Sochi tonight. The first events were held yesterday, with disappointment for the figure skating team, featuring Dundee-based Matthew Parr.
Some 37,000 security personnel are on high alert after threats by Islamist militant groups to attack the Games.
Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak said: "There is no reason to believe the level of danger in Sochi is greater than at any other point on the planet, be it Boston, London, New York or Washington."
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