The Uncomfortable Truth About Sochi: Light the Torch, and All Is Forgiven

In July 2004, I went to Athens to do a story on the Greeks’ preparedness for the Summer Olympics. The biggest challenge wasn’t reporting in a foreign language or navigating the haughtiness of the International Olympic Committee. It was the word count. The assignment called for 3,000 words. The story needed three: They’re not ready.

Other than meeting with Greek politicians, who assured me that all was going according to plan and budget (!), my reporting involved walking around and looking at buildings, trains, and sporting venues. Most were in a state familiar to anyone who’s ever worked with a contractor. As soon as a guy came by to remove the tarps, paint the drywall, and sweep the floor, they’d be done. So there was no timetable for completion.