The Sochi twin toilets photo of two toilets, one toilet right next to the other in one stall, is causing worldwide amusement. "Seeing double in the Gentlemen's Loo at the Olympic Biathlon Centre," was the original caption that was tweeted with the Sochi twin toilets photo taken by BBC’s Moscow correspondent Steve Rosenberg, reported BBC on Jan. 21, 2014.
To make sure that no one would think the photo of the Sochi twin toilets was photoshopped, Steve Rosenberg also tweeted that his reflection can be seen in the flusher on the right hand side. “Just to make clear, this is not photoshopped. You can see my reflection in the flusher.”
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny retweeted the Sochi twin toilets photo fueling rumors that some of the money for the Sochi Olympics actually went into politicians' private pockets. He added his own ironic comment that this is how all the money (said to be $50 billion) for the Sochi Olympics -- which will take place from Feb. 7 to Feb. 23 -- had been spent. "This is a men's toilet in a Sochi Olympics media centre for 1.5bn roubles [£27m; $45m].”
In addition to Alexei Navalny, Russians are joking that the twin toilets in Sochi were designed for a "tandem," the name used to describe the duo of President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. Some comments have added portraits of the two leaders to the twin toilets.
Of course, the Sochi twin toilets photo went viral beyond Russia in no time and has by now become the subject of worldwide late night comedy shows and media comments.
One blogger wrote about the Sochi twin toilets , “Two toilets - 28,000 roubles. Olympic media centre - 1.5bn roubles. Global embarrassment - priceless."
Since there is not much space between the Sochi twin toilets in the stall, many jokes have covered the social aspect of "doing business" in close proximity. Jay Leno joked how easy it will be to shake someone’s hand while sitting on the toilet, and others have covered all the interesting conversations that might occur.
“Tear off some paper before you sit down," wrote one tweeter pointing out that the two bathroom visitors would be sharing one toilet roll.
In light of the tight security measures imposed in Sochi for the Olympics, another joke has it that the second toilet was designed for a security officer.
From budget, to conversations, to security, to sharing some “twin toilet” features, the jokes are also covering Russia's controversial law on "gay propaganda", which led to calls from international campaigners to boycott February's games. "This is how they understand the needs of sexual minorities," was one joke.
In regard to the international jokes about the Sochi twin toilets at the cross-country skiing and biathlon center for next month's Winter Olympics in Sochi, the Sochi organizing committee has remained silent. But who needs a response – a smile will do.
