Pooping at the Winter Olympics Could Be Very, Very Awkward

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By Sam Laird2014-01-22 04:54:48 UTC

On top of environmental degradation, suspect infrastructure and anti-homosexual legislation, we can add a new entry to the list of concerns about how ready Sochi is to host the Winter Olympics, which begin Feb. 7: Toilets.

It's not that there aren't enough toilets. It's not that Sochi doesn't have indoor plumbing. No, the apparent problem is that fans visiting Sochi for the Games may have to get a little too up close and personal with one another while handling their "business."

See also: Norway's Wild Curling Uniforms Would Make Willy Wonka Blush

At least that's the indication from a photo posted to Twitter by Moscow-based BBC News correspondent Steve Rosenberg on Tuesday. According to Rosenberg, the photo shows a men's room inside one Olympic venue in Sochi:

Rosenberg's photo caused quite a stir online, drawing mockery and incredulousness, and was featured on multiple websites and blogs. The Washington Post even reports of "Russians gleefully retweeting the photo as a sign of corruption, shoddy construction or just what they couldn't imagine."

The photo drew plenty of doubters, as well. So Rosenberg tweeted it a second time just to dispel any Photoshop-happy conspiracy theories:

We hope this restroom is just an anomaly, though, and folks who need to pop a squat in Sochi will be able to do so in fine conditions.

Meanwhile, as always, it's important to remember that things could be worse. For proof, look no further than this photo of a restroom in Kazan, Russia, which Rosenberg shared from a sports competition in the city last year:

Topics: Entertainment, olympics, Pics, Sports, Watercooler