Tag Archives: Paralympics

48 Weeks To Go: Counter-Attacks & Paralympic Prep

I usually try and start with something other than the boycott news, but there’s been a marked change in the conversation this week – namely that the counter narrative from Beijing has begun. Global Times editor Hu Xijin tested the waters a week ago, with the threat that foreign countries would be punished if they boycotted the Games. He’s no longer the sole voice, with plenty of opportunities for interviews provided by the ongoing Two Sessions, China’s most important annual political meetings – the NPC and CPPCC.

Weekly Roundup

  • Counter attacks from Beijing
  • Boycott threats from around the world
  • Paralympics 1 year to go
  • Chengdu Olympic hopes dashed
  • Other features and stories in the build-up to 2022
Continue reading 48 Weeks To Go: Counter-Attacks & Paralympic Prep

China’s barren run continues

Coming into the 2014 Paralympic Games, China had amassed an impressive 326 gold, 259 silver, and 198 bronze medals 1984-2012, but all 783 of them had come in the Summer Games. The best result at a Winter Games had been a fifth place finish by Peng Yuanyuan in the women’s 5km cross-country classic style standing in Vancouver four years ago.

China's Du Haitao helped the cross-country skiing relay team to a 7th place finish
China’s Du Haitao helped the cross-country skiing relay team to a 7th place finish in Sochi

Continue reading China’s barren run continues

Weekly Wrap: Marbury dominates, and China’s 783-0 streak could end

Stephon Marbury could be in line for a second statue in Beijing. Having missed most of the season through injury, he has inspired the Beijing Ducks in the CBA playoffs, leading them into a finals showdown against the Xinjiang Flying Tigers after a 3-2 series win against the Guangdong Southern Tigers.

Marbury clearly left it (and his clothes) out there on the court
Marbury clearly left it (and his clothes) out there on the court

Continue reading Weekly Wrap: Marbury dominates, and China’s 783-0 streak could end

残奥会在中国没有得到应有的关注

我敢打赌最近没多少人听说过冬季残奥会。其实如果大多数中国人知道残奥会这件事,才会让我大吃一惊。的确,近日来太多的新闻充斥各媒体的头条,但这些只不过是政府、媒体、记者们漠视残奥会的借口。

12WB7292-693X520  Continue reading 残奥会在中国没有得到应有的关注

Sports round-up: CSL, surfing, golf, tennis and the invisible Paralympics

The Chinese Super League season kicked off this past weekend, and goals were few and far between. Ominously, though, the top of the table is already occupied by Guangzhou Evergrande…

Darci Liu, China's first female pro surfer
Darci Liu, China’s first female pro surfer

That’s Online (also in the print versions) has a nice profile of Darci Liu, China’s first and so far only female professional surfer, who, amazingly, only learnt to swim at the age of 18:  Continue reading Sports round-up: CSL, surfing, golf, tennis and the invisible Paralympics

By the numbers: Olympic coverage in China

Paralympic action starts today in Sochi with China’s 10-strong contingent looking to claim the country’s first ever Winter Paralympic medal. Five of the 10 form the curling team, which finished third at the World Championships in both 2012 and 2013, so a medal is a definite possibility. The other five are cross-country skiers: no red hot favorites, but results have been improving and a podium finish is not out of the question.

Wheelchair curler He Jun
Wheelchair curler He Jun

Continue reading By the numbers: Olympic coverage in China

Blade Runner faces day of reckoning

Here’s my Sports Talk column from today’s Global Times on Oscar Pistorius’ fall from grace:

When Oscar Pistorius came to Beijing for the 2008 Paralympic Games, he was already something of a celebrity. As a 17-year-old, he had won Paralympic gold in Athens four years earlier, and though he had failed in his bid to run at the Beijing Olympic Games against able-bodied athletes, he didn’t disappoint at the Paralympic Games, winning three gold medals and running record times in each event.

Speaking to him on the track immediately after his third win, I remember a humble young man breathless with excitement, and quick to credit others for his success. He told me his dream had been realized. But that dream has turned to a nightmare.

Continue reading Blade Runner faces day of reckoning

Oscar Pistorius winning three gold medals at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing

In light of recent events, it’s interesting to look back at a feature I did on Oscar Pistorius in 2008. I interviewed him twice on the night he won his third Paralympic gold medal – once immediately after he crossed the finish line, then again an hour or two later after he had got his breath back.

Continue reading Oscar Pistorius winning three gold medals at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing