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Taimuraz Bolloyev, construction chief for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, resigned Monday, according to the . Bolloyev cited health reasons for his resignation and has been replaced by Sergei Gaplikov, a deputy head of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's staff.
Despite what at first appears to be a setback for the Games, the International Olympic Committee says Bolloyev's resignation “will not impact” preparations.
“A lot of progress has been made,” the IOC told the AP, “and we are confident that the structures put in place by and the Russian government will ensure that his departure will not impact on the progress currently being made.” The IOC also thanked Bolloyev for his “hard work and dedication” and said they welcome Gaplikov's appointment and look forward to working with him.
–Michael Webster