A Triumphant Games Under a Shadow: China’s 2022 winter Olympics
China’s 2022 Winter Olympics concluded on February 20th, marking a resounding sporting success for teh nation. Climbing from 16th place in 2018 to a commendable third, China showcased its athletic prowess on the global stage. However, the Games where also scrutinized for their handling of the pandemic, with China’s “zero Covid” strategy under intense observation.
The challenge of hosting the Winter Olympics amidst the Omicron variant was monumental. Nearly 70,000 participants, including athletes, support staff, journalists, and officials, underwent nearly 2 million PCR tests within the “closed loop” system – a stringent sanitary bubble designed to isolate the Games from the outside world. Remarkably, only 172 positive cases were detected within this bubble, a testament to the rigorous protocols in place.
Upon arrival, all participants underwent testing, resulting in 265 positive cases. Infected individuals were instantly quarantined, and despite the strict measures, a limited number of guests were permitted to attend events. Essentially, China created a self-contained world within its borders, effectively shielding the Games from the virus.
This success, however, came at a price. The “closed loop” system translated into a heavily controlled habitat for participants.Fenced-off sites, police checkpoints, ubiquitous surveillance, and even room searches became commonplace. Movement between venues was restricted, and participants were discouraged from venturing outside the bubble. Unlike the Tokyo games, which also proceeded despite the pandemic, participants in Beijing were required to leave the country directly from the bubble, without experiencing the city. Even Chinese volunteers faced mandatory self-isolation upon the Games’ conclusion, with some waiting until the Paralympic Games ended before returning home.
This restrictive atmosphere extended to the realm of political expression. Despite recent changes to Article 50 of the Olympic Charter, which allow athletes to express political views under specific conditions, few athletes took advantage of this possibility.
One notable exception was Ukrainian athlete who displayed a small sign reading “No war in Ukraine” on February 11th. British skier Gus Kenworthy, speaking after the ski half-pipe final on February 19th, became the frist to directly criticize the host country, stating, “When there are human rights atrocities in the country and a negative stance on LGBT rights, this must be taken into account by the IOC.”
The muted response from athletes may be attributed to the chinese organizers’ warnings against any speech or behavior deemed contrary to the Olympic spirit or Chinese laws and regulations. Such actions, they stated, would be subject to penalties.
While emphasizing the apolitical nature of the Games,a spokesperson for the organizing committee dismissed accusations of forced labor and the confinement of Uyghurs in “re-education camps” in Xinjiang as “lies” during a press conference on February 17th. This prompted a rebuke from the IOC.
Despite global criticism regarding human rights and the use of artificial snow (a first for the Winter Olympics), the Games proceeded smoothly within the bubble. Athletes expressed satisfaction with the facilities, infrastructure, and the warm hospitality of the volunteers.
The volunteers,clad in their distinctive jumpsuits,were praised for their unwavering enthusiasm and dedication. Athletes described their constant smiles and greetings as a highlight of their experience.
While initial anxieties surrounding Covid-19 subsided once athletes entered the bubble, the lack of freedom and social interaction remained a challenge. Limited communal spaces and strict protocols restricted opportunities for socializing and exploring the surrounding area.
As the torch passed to Milan Cortina for the 2026 Winter olympics, the focus shifted to Europe.These Games promise a different experience, leveraging existing infrastructure in well-known locations like Antholz Anterselva for biathlon, Val di Fiemme for cross-country skiing, and the iconic slopes of Cortina d’Ampezzo and Bormio for alpine skiing.While organizers hope to avoid the challenges posed by Covid-19, they acknowledge the logistical complexities of hosting events across a vast geographical area. Ensuring seamless transportation between Milan, Bormio, and Cortina, spanning 22,000 square kilometers, will be crucial to the Games’ success.
