Minister confirms that athletes and fans who ‘flaunt’ their sexuality will be prosecuted

Russia’s most wanted terrorist has vowed to cause havoc at next year’s Winter Olympics in a chilling video message posted online.

The bobsledding long-jumper has a unique record in her sights in 2014

At 5ft 3in, she too frail to be a speed skater. Yet she’s the one to beat in World Championships  – and she likes it that way

Elise Christie became Great Britain's first short-track speed skating World Cup champion at 1,000m in Sochi, Russia today.

Great Britain short-track speed skater Elise Christie has won her second title at the European Championships in Malmo.

One of the biggest events in world skiing will take place in Austria from 4-17 February, when the Alpine Ski World Championships roll in to the resort of Schladming (schladming2013.com). The event attracts around 650 athletes from 70 nations, with the main downhill ski events rated second only to the Winter Olympics.

Six Russian tourists were killed and two others were injured when their snowmobile crashed through a fence and plunged about 100 metres during a night-time run down an Italian ski slope.

Six Russians were killed and two others were injured when their snowmobile slammed into a fence and flipped over into a ditch during a night run down an Italian ski slope.

1901 The year that Queen Victoria died – signalling the end of her eponymous era. This Christmas, however, the festive spirit of the Victorian period lives on at Saltwell Park in Gateshead, which has been transformed by the after-dark arts experience, Enchanted Parks. Visitors can see illuminated installations such as "Glimpses of Victoriana", costumed characters and trees that respond when given a hug. Evenings 5-9 December. Tickets £6. Newcastlegateshead.com

Niseko has a mountain aesthetic all of its own, says Leslie Woit

Patrick Thorne heads for a notoriously glitzy Swiss resort – and falls in love with the place

Sochi 2014 organising committee president Dmitry Chernyshenko has confirmed ambitious plans to take the Olympic torch into space for the first time.

Michelle Obama will be travelling to London to attend the Olympic Games' opening ceremony, the White House announced.