Tag Archives: Sochi 2014

40 Weeks To Go: Cotton Socks, Robotaxis & Tchaikovsky

It’s really quite extraordinary that there are only 40 weeks to go until the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing and yet we still have no idea what it’s going to look like, or even who will be there. Ticketing has yet to start, sponsors have little idea what they can do – and we won’t have answers to any of these questions (and more) for several more months at least.

But that is the COVID reality. For one of the most meticulously planned events in the world, flexibility has become a necessary. It’s unsettling, but in the context of the rest of the global headlines, it’s still fairly inconsequential.

The IOC has its hands overflowing with Tokyo logistics right now, but it’s already taking center stage for Beijing, with allegations of suppliers sourcing from Xinjiang and suppressions of freedom over the Rule 50 refresh. The fun continues…

Weekly Roundup

  • IOC in cotton debate over Anta uniforms
  • Chinese athletes skew IOC protest poll on Rule 50
  • FIS Presidential candidate pumps China’s tires
  • Russian anthem to be replaced by Tchaikovsky
  • More boycott news from around the world
  • Other features and stories in the build-up to Beijing 2022
Continue reading 40 Weeks To Go: Cotton Socks, Robotaxis & Tchaikovsky

China leaves Pyeongchang on a high

Here is this week’s China Sports column for SupChina, which was first published here.  

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Wigan Athletic takeover, AFC open to offers, China’s Olympic-sized delegation and more

Here’s a summary of what you can find in my weekly China Digest for SportBusiness:

Continue reading Wigan Athletic takeover, AFC open to offers, China’s Olympic-sized delegation and more

Breaking down China’s latest doping revelations

Following a documentary on German television last month, the world’s media reported on allegations about China’s doping history, prompting an official reaction from WADA. But how much of this is actually new, what will – or can – WADA do about the claims and what does this mean for China’s future sporting ambitions? 

Continue reading Breaking down China’s latest doping revelations

Pressure builds on China as problems circle Rio Olympics

China’s largest ever Olympic contingent of 411 athletes has brought expectations for a sizeable medal haul to Brazil. But with with local issues compounded by some wider – and more worrying – trends, it is no exaggeration to say that the Rio Olympics are facing potentially fatal headwinds.

The Rio Olympics are shaping up to be the most pivotal of recent times.

Not because the sporting action is any more anticipated than at previous Games – far from it – but because the Olympic concept has taken so many knocks in recent years that the very credibility of the Games is under threat.

Continue reading Pressure builds on China as problems circle Rio Olympics

Russian politician holds key to China’s Olympic hopes

The most important Russian to China right now is not Vladimir Putin, but it’s a man who knows him very well: Alexander Zhukov. That’s because he has just been appointed head of the evaluation commission for the 2022 Winter Games. In other words, he is leading the team that will select the host city.

L to R: Vladimir Putin, Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko and Alexander Zhukov
L to R: Vladimir Putin, Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko and Alexander Zhukov

Continue reading Russian politician holds key to China’s Olympic hopes

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。

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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

China Sports Insider Ep. 4 – Beijing’s Olympic bid

Here, belatedly, is one of my appearances on BBC World during the Sochi Olympics, talking to presenter Sarah Stone live via Skype. The first part is a little outdated as it talks about China’s medals and prospects (at that time), but the section from 1:38 on Beijing’s bid for the 2022 Olympic Games is still relevant.

Continue reading China Sports Insider Ep. 4 – Beijing’s Olympic bid