Olympics: Cheers,Jeers in Moscow

Despite no-shows, the show must—and does—go on

The scene at the Olympic Village suggested nothing unusual, nothing untoward. Athletes lolled in the early morning sun and sipped tea at umbrella-topped tables. In the distance, hurdlers could be seen skimming over the practice field. National flags fluttered from competitors' windows, the bunting of innocent patriotism.

Moscow itself sparkled with freshly painted buildings and manicured gardens. Everything seemed technically right—the food was good, the subways and buses were prompt, even the press center met the demanding standards of Western journalists. "It is a revelation," gushed...