The 2022 Winter Olympics officially began Friday with an opening ceremony in Beijing that was more understated than usual but still packed a political punch.
The ceremony took place without much of the typical display of the host country’s arts, culture and music amid the COVID-19 pandemic. National Stadium in Beijing, known as the “Bird’s Nest,” was only partially full amid Beijing’s commitment to make the Games COVID-free.
Also absent were official delegations from the United States and other Western countries including Canada, Sweden, the Netherlands and Great Britain, which decided not to send diplomatic representatives to the Games because of China’s record on human rights.
Xi Jinping, the president of China, and President Vladimir Putin of Russia were among the dignitaries to watch from the stadium’s official boxes.
After the entry of the Olympic athletes in the parade of nations, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach made an appeal that the Games be used as an inspiration for peace.
“In this Olympic spirit of peace, I appeal to all political authorities across the world — observe your commitment to this Olympic truth. Give peace a chance,” the 68-year-old Bach said.
He added: “You, the Olympics athletes, you will show how the world could look like if we all respect the same rules and each other.”
The ceremony culminated with the lighting of the Olympic flame. Six former Chinese athletes passed the torch to each other, relay style, before handing it off to a man and woman at the final stage.
Zhao Jiawen, a men’s Nordic combined athlete, and cross-country skier Dinigeer Yilamujiang lit the flame together.
Analysts said the selection of Yilamujiang, an ethnic Uyghur from Xinjiang, was meant to send a message to the West.
The United States charges that the Chinese ruling party has committed human rights violations, including the use of mass detention camps and forced sterilization, against Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities in the western part of the country.
Beijing became the first city to host both the Summer (2008) and Winter Olympics. The first medals will be awarded Saturday in six events, including biathlon, freestyle skiing and short-track speedskating.
Flag bearers for the United States were speedskater Brittany Bowe and curler John Shuster. Bowe replaced bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor, the original choice who had to decline after testing positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Beijing.
The Olympics will conclude on Feb. 20.
–Field Level Media