Olympics Notebook: Vancouver 2010

from Left field:

Russia expects as Plushenko prepares for glory

Millions of Russians will be setting their alarm clocks a little earlier than usual on Friday morning.

The patriotic inhabitants of the world's largest country are desperate to see Yevgeny Plushenko bring home the cherished gold medal in the men's free skate at the Winter Olympics later today.

The flamboyant blond-haired veteran holds a narrow lead over his rivals at the competition's half way stage, and all of Russia is willing him to victory.

Plushenko's story has all the makings of a great Olympic drama. The 34-year-old retired from the sport following his landmark Olympic win in the same competition in Turin in 2006, but upset by a perceived decline in a proud Russian figure skating tradition he announced his intention to defend his title and with it Russian honour this year.

His dazzling performance in the opening round stunned a worldwide audience, while the withdrawal of an imaginary sword in his final flourish perfectly captured his warrior-like dominance and virility.

His extreme self confidence does not end there. Plushenko has been tearing into his rivals since his arrival in Vancouver, typically on his favourite topic -- his ability to execute the quadruple mid-air spin which he believes is the hallmark of greatness. He was the only competitor to even attempt this in the first round and was withering in his verdict on those who stuck with the safer triple-spin. "I did triples in 1994," he scoffed.

His mind games appear to have worked on his current closest rival, the American Evan Lysacek.  "I used to really enjoy training the quad ... until I broke my foot and then it became less fun to train and more scary," he told reporters.  Scary? Is this the spirit of an Olympic Champion?

Winter Games, day six – live

Yevgeny Plushenko is the main attraction as the Russian attempts to seal gold with the men’s free skate but there’s plenty of irresistible medal action before then.

Join us on the live blog … we’ll be here all day with on-the-spot comments from our team if reporters, medal flashes, standback views and stats. Feel to dip in and out, and remember, comments are always welcome.