A major sports photography exhibition has been unveiled at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. It showcases Russian and Soviet Winter Olympic glory from 1956.

The exhibit comes as Russia bids to further its Olympic tradition by hosting the 2014 Winter Games in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

When the international Olympic Committee picks the host city for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in early July, a strong infrastructure and appropriate facilities will have ultimately played a part in who wins. But, what Russia has that might set it apart from other candidates is its successful history in the winter Olympic Games.

In 1956, the country commenced its Olympic history, and since then, Russian and Soviet athletes have won more medals than any other country in history, earning 239 medals in 12 Winter Games.

In over 80 photographs on display, the glory of Russian athletes is relived.

“I always wanted to grow up and play at the Olympic Games for my country. And I had the possibility to do it, but it probably started with the dream, which came from these people who fought for gold medals and for our sport,” says Aleksey Yashin, Ice Hockey Olympic medallist.

As for recent Olympic medal winners, they believe that hosting the 2014 winter Olympic Games would be another great addition to Russia’s many contributions to the Olympic movement.

While the city of Sochi continues to be groomed for the Olympic Games with new roads and amenities already being built, Russia's winning spirit and passion for winter sports might just be the winning factor for 2014.