This Sunday will be the closing ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics, an event marred by Covid-19 regulations, human rights violations and doping scandals.
But against this backdrop some of the world’s most determined (and coldest) athletes have given their best to show the world what can be done with an indomitable human spirit.
If you’re just catching up – as I am – here’s a quick overview of the event before you tune in for some weekend viewing.
1. When did the Winter Olympics originate?
The first ever Winter Games (then known as the ‘International Winter Sports Week’) were hosted in France in 1924. In 1926, the event was hosted in Portugal and renamed the ‘1st Olympic Winter Games’.
2. Who is participating?
There are almost 3 000 athletes from 90 countries participating in the Beijing Winter Olympics.
3. How has Covid-19 impacted the event?
The event is being hosted in a closed loop to prevent too much movement beyond accommodation, venue and transport. Participants and supporting teams cannot move freely in public. There are no international spectators allowed at any of the venues.
4. What is the concern about human rights in China?
The Uyghurs are an ethnic minority group living mostly in the Xinjiang region of China. They are predominantly a Muslim minority group. A 2018 United Nations report noted at least a million Uyghurs were living in counter-extremism centres, with a further two million being forced into re-education camps for political and cultural indoctrination – assertions that China rejects.
5. What is the doping scandal?
The 15-year-old Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva failed a drug test but was allowed to continue competing in the Winter Olympics. However, the media attention must have had an impact on her performance as she dropped out of first place and all the way outside medal contention, finishing fourth.
6. What sports are competed at the Winter Olympics?
· Alpine skiing
· Biathlon
· Bobsleigh
· Cross-country skiing
· Curling
· Figure skating
· Freestyle skiing
· Ice hockey
· Luge
· Nordic combined
· Short track speed skating
· Skeleton
· Ski jumping
· Snowboard
· Speed skating
7. What is the medal tally so far?
As of Day 10 of the Winter Olympics (Thursday), the tally is (gold, silver, bronze, total):
– Norway: 9, 5, 7, 21
– ROC: 4, 6, 8, 18
– Team: USA 7, 6, 3, 16
– Germany: 8, 5, 2, 15
– Austria: 5, 6, 4, 15
– Canada: 1, 4, 10, 15
– Netherlands: 6, 4, 2, 12
– Sweden: 5, 3, 3, 11
– Italy: 2, 5, 4, 11
– Japan: 2, 4, 5, 11
8. Who will host the next Winter Games?
The Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo will host the next Winter Games, scheduled to take place from 6 to 22 February 2026.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 060 784 2695
Instagram – zululand_observer
