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American athletes attending the Sochi Winter Olympics have been told that their Team USA uniforms pose a potential security risk if worn designated security zones. Security is reported to be the tightest ever any Olympics. It includes the "Ring of Steel" – a heavily fortified zone that stretches 90 kilometres the coast and 40 kilometres inland. There are checkpoints everywhere and everyone will be X-rayed as they enter the zone. A US State Department official advised that: "If you are an American Olympic athlete, you don't want to advertise that far the Olympic venues." It added: "Wearing conspicuous Team USA clothing non-accredited areas may put your personal safety greater risk."

There are fears that the games may be targeted militants Russian states that want to break from Russia. One group Dagestan recently posted a video claiming responsibility two suicide bombings the southern city Volgograd which killed 34 people and injured dozens more. President Vladimir Putin has given his personal assurance that the games will be safe and successful. Russian security officials are currently hunting three potential female suicide bombers, one whom is suspected to be the Sochi area. US officials have warned there will be more threats to come as the time the opening ceremony draws nearer. The games will be held February 7 and 23.