Reuters
A security guard stands near the closed loop “bubble” at the Main Press Center ahead of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China January 23, 2022. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu
Reuters
A security guard stands near the closed loop “bubble” at the Main Press Center ahead of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China January 23, 2022. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu
Of all the Winter Olympics that have taken place, this year’s Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 is special for two reasons. Firstly, Beijing is the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics. Secondly, this is the first Olympics to have 100 percent artificial snow. Hence, the technological advancements of the country are at an all-time high. They even have bullet trains for different venues, giving everybody a great experience.
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However, with all the technology involved, there is one thing you can’t control; Mother nature’s fist of fury!
Strong winds cause delay at Beijing Winter Olympics 2022
Today’s women’s downhill competition had a delay due to the strong gusty winds at the venue. It has become a regular occurrence that snowfall and strong winds like these have made the Olympic organizers delay the timings of the events. Volunteers help in clearing out the snow, setting the course ready for action. Given the weather conditions, their commitment and skill is impeccable.
Women’s downhill start is delayed due to gusting winds. Decision at 11 am Beijing time for a 11:30am start. Officials are hoping gusts abate but will not push the start later than 1pm. @NBCOlympics @usskiteam @MikaelaShiffrin @lindseyvonn @tedligety @DanHicksNBC pic.twitter.com/rkhR1aMlMs
— Steve Porino (@sporino) February 15, 2022
Although visibility is not an issue, volunteers used leaf-blowers to clear out excess snow. But, the climatic changes in Beijing are very visible. On Sunday, the temperature suddenly dropped to -12 degrees Celsius, as strong winds accompanied the venues in Beijing, Zhangjiakou, and Yanqing.
The snow is proving hard to handle, though. Volunteers are having a tough time clearing out the snow as many sports events won’t be able to start. The risk involved would be higher with conditions like these for the athletes; although they are used to competing in fiesty conditions.
Postponements and cancelations
There were many postponements and cancelations that happened during this Winter Olympics. The second official training of the women’s downhill event was canceled earlier due to the cause of heavy snowfall. Likewise, the women’s free-ski slopestyle competition was also moved from its original schedule.
Notably, another incident occurred where a bus carrying journalists to a venue slipped away due to heavy snowfall. Although no serious injuries were reported, the accident was another reminder of the rise in the risk of competing in these conditions.
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