Russian fans are proudly waving their country's flag at the Pyeongchang Olympics, where Team Russia is technically banned and Russian athletes must compete under the Olympic flag.
Many fans say the ban makes them more determined to represent their country.
Hockey star Ilya Kovalchuk has one rule for such fans: Put down the flag if they want to take a photo with him.
The athletes from Russia are banned from using the flag or national symbols. The fans say that makes them even more patriotic and committed to make sure the athletes know that Russians are at these Olympics.
At hockey and figure skating, the Russians have been among the loudest fan bases.
___
For more AP Olympic coverage: https://www.wintergames.ap.org
Copyright AP - Associated Press
