This year, the Olympic games sparked controversy. Many countries disapproved of China hosting the games, accusing China of human rights violations. For months, human rights groups and countries tried to refute Beijing hosting the Olympics, but the Olympic committee insists that games be held in China. Despite the threats of boycotts, the Games continued as usual, with some new events making their debut.
“I think that athletes are going to be even more cautious headed into the Games when it comes to protest and using their voice, given the messaging from the IOC and China,” said Yannick Kluch, Director of Outreach and Inclusive Excellence at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Center for Sports Leadership. “But I also think if there are athletes who are outspoken, they are not going to be deterred.”
The Olympics have been going on for centuries in Greece, but the first modern Olympics happened in 1896. The Winter Olympics happen every four years as with the Summer Olympics.
The United States protested the Chinese hosts by implementing a diplomatic boycott where no top government officials attended the Games. But one of China’s Yang Shu, Deputy Director-General of Beijing 2022’s International Relations Department, said any protesters that violate “the Olympic spirit” or Chinese law could be subject to unspecified punishment.
Specifically, China has been under fire for discrimination against Uyghurs in Xinjiang and the sudden disappearance of tennis star Peng Shuai. The Uyghurs have been put in what China calls “re-education camps.” However, the U.S. calls this genocide and representatives boycotted the Olympics because of this issue.
Then, Peng Shuai accused Former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault on a social media platform in November. She then disappeared for a time and her post was quickly erased. She stated during the Olympics that she was safe, but it did not explain much. Her reappearance may have overshadowed the Olympics.
There are some firsts for this Winter Olympics, such as Saudi Arabia and Haiti attending for the first time. They competed in Alpine Skiing. Beijing will also have the oldest Olympian, German speed skater Claudia Pechstein, who will turn 50 two days after the closing ceremony. She has 9 Olympic medals and skated on February 5, 2022. This was also the first year that the Winter Olympics has had entirely fake snow.
The new Winter Olympics events are Women’s Monobob, Men’s and Women’s Big Air (Freestyle Skiing), Mixed Team Snowboard Cross, Mixed Team Aerials, Mixed Team Short Track Relay, and Mixed Team Ski Jumping.
This year of the Olympics has been exciting and also controversial. From the original problem of China hosting the Games to the Russian Olympic Committee being accused of doping, this year has been hectic. The Winter Olympics have since ended and the next event to look forward to is the Summer Olympics in Paris 2024.
