President Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday wished...

"Millions of Russian fans believe in you. Let motivation, willpower and team spirit help the Russian team in the Olympic arenas of Vancouver," Medvedev said in a message addressed to the athletes.

The president also said that the government was focused on supporting sport in Russia.

"Your success is the best contribution to this work," the president said.

Four years ago at the Winter Olympics in Italy, Russia"s team consisted of 178 athletes and eventually finished fourth in the overall medal standings with 22 medals including eight golds after Germany, the U.S. and Austria.

The 2014 Winter Olympics will be held in Russia"s Black Sea resort of Sochi.

MOSCOW, January 28 (RIA Novosti)