by CARRIE MURPHY
After long preparation, the Beijing Winter Olympics have come and gone. Despite everything that has happened these past couple of years, the Olympics have offered an exciting event for viewers worldwide. Some major changes were made to keep athletes and employees safe from the pandemic, audiences were extremely limited, those who were allowed to attend were required to wear masks. Because of that, ratings were lower this year, following unsuccessful summer games as well. However, there were some incredible feats achieved this year, whether they be in new sports being offered by the games or some exceptional athletes. And with some scandals coming to light, discussion on Covid policy, white privilege, and steroid intake have come to light in relation to the games. This year was an interesting one, and its highlights will surely be remembered.
This year’s Olympics welcomed many new sports 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 we’re all introduced to the Olympic lineup this year. The US team has been filled with some impressive athletes. Nathan Chen won silver for figure skating, after going head to head with Hanyu Yuzuru, his longtime rival. Chloe Kim brought home gold for the second time, winning 1st place at every Olympics she attended! And with new arrivals, we had to say goodbye to some athletes as well. Olympic legend Shaun White has officially marked his retirement after five Olympics and three gold medals, placing fourth in this year’s snowboarding. He is credited for putting the sport on the map as one of the Olympics’ main events and has paved the way for numerous other snowboarders. Along with that, we saw the return of athletes such as Mikaela Shiffrin and Gus Kenworthy, and while their performances were disappointing, it was nice seeing them return for another Olympics.
While much of the Olympic news was positive this season, discussions have erupted over scandals. 15-year-old figure skater Kamila Valieva, who skated for the Russian team, was under criticism after testing positive for a banned substance. The three drugs she tested for are known to improve efficiency and stamina, allowing for someone to practice for hours without getting fatigued. Valieva won first place in her category, and many people have been criticizing the decision to allow her to compete. Many have been comparing her case to the case of Sha’Carri Richardson, an American track runner who was disqualified from her race due to testing positive for marijuana. Along with this, tension between China and the United States has seeped into the Olympics. American-born Eileen Gu has decided to compete for the Chinese team this year, which has opened up criticism from American commentators. This contrasts feedback for Zhu Yi, a Chinese figure skater who was attacked on social media for falling during her set. Critics have compared the reaction from the two, and how political events connect to morale during the games.
Despite the drama this season, the Olympics have been as entertaining as ever, welcoming a new age of athletes and numerous new events. The excitement and the danger radiates from the games to its viewers, making the Olympic season an entertaining time to get involved. All of the athletes this season were incredibly talented, and hopefully what was displayed at these games shall be echoed for years to come.