Beijing ‘on track’ for 2022 Winter Olympics

Beijing 2022 organisers say they are on schedule to host the Winter Olympic Games despite the disruption of COVID-19.

The National Speed Skating Oval, also known as the “Ice Ribbon”, will be a key venue at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Picture: Getty Images

Beijing 2022 organisers say they are on schedule to host the Winter Olympic Games despite the disruption of COVID-19.

Beijing 2022 vice chairman Zhang Jiandong told the world’s press on the first day of a four-day briefing on Games preparations that “Beijing has not stopped Games preparations … we are pressing ahead without diminishing intensity or compromising of standards”.

The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics Bobsleigh Centre and National Alpine Ski Centre are seen at Yanqing Division. Picture: Getty Images

He said COVID-19 posed “a grave challenge” to the Olympic Movement but said Beijing’s commitment to hosting the Games was “as strong as ever”.

He added 35 sponsors had come on board.

“The construction of venues and infrastructure is on schedule, and all venues will be completed by end of this year,” Mr Zhang said.

But it became clear during the briefing that organisers were waiting to see how Tokyo 2020 handles various coronavirus countermeasures when it hosts the delayed Olympics in August next year.

“Beijing remains ready to work with major organisations for the best way forward for coverage and for COVID-19 control during the Games,” Mr Zhang said.

It might be rare to see snow in China's southern province of Yunnan, but the excitment for #Beijing2022 is palpable! ❄️

Eager students got the opportunity to learn how to ski and take part in fun activities, taking the first steps on their winter journey! 💕⛷️

📸: 开屏客户端 pic.twitter.com/oT6p74Tlpq

— Beijing 2022 (@Beijing2022) October 19, 2020

China has already restarted various sporting leagues including tennis and basketball, noted Xu Jicheng, Beijing 2022 head of media operations.

He said a medical manager had been added to each winter Olympic Games venue to help with safe and practical athlete interviews.

Organisers have steered clear of political issues such as uninterrupted internet access and threats of boycotts from various countries because of China’s human rights record in regards to the Uighers.

Beijing 2022 plans centre around repurposed 2008 venues including the Birds Nest, which will become the opening and closing ceremony venue, and the Water Cube, which will be converted into the Ice Cube.

"We are #StrongerTogether in this great challenge and I invite you to prepare for the Olympic Games #Tokyo2020 next year & for the Olympic Winter Games #Beijing2022.

"See you in Tokyo or Beijing!"

IOC President Bach addresses the athletes’ community. pic.twitter.com/YZ83FXHybD

— Athlete365 (@Athlete365) October 8, 2020

There will be two mountain zones and most of the Australian team action in aerials, snowboard and freestyle skiing will take place in the Zhangjiakou zone, near Chongli, about 50 minutes from Beijing by high speed rail.

Organisers have confirmed there will be seven new events at the Games, held from February 4 to 20, 2022, coinciding with the Chinese New Year, including the spectacular men’s and women’s big air freestyle skiing, the women’s monobob, mixed team events in short track speed skating team relay, ski jumping, freestyle skiing aerials and snowboard cross.