Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics underway with spectacular opening ceremony

The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics are underway following the start of a spectacular opening ceremony taking place at the iconic Beijing National Stadium.

Over 3000 athletes from 91 countries, including debutants from Haiti and Saudi Arabia, will compete in 15 sports totalling 109 medal events over the coming fortnight with the Winter Olympics running until Feburay 20.

While the likes of curling and ice hockey have already begun, an opening ceremony consisting of colour, creativity and incredible choreography marked the official start of the Games.

Fans might recall the Beijing 2008 Olympic opening ceremony where 2008 drummers dazzled in the Bird’s Nest Stadium with perfectly synchronized routines, but due to Covid the number of participants had to be stripped back significantly this year.

Zhang Yimou, who was praised for his work during the 2008 Summer Games, was again directing the show and put on a pyrotechnic-filled display.

Spectacular light and laser shows, perfectly synched with incredible choreography from the volunteer dancers formed the base of the show.

While millions tuned in to watch from around the world, only a few thousand fans were present in the stadium and, like the events at the Games, tickets were not sold to the general public because of the ongoing pandemic.

World Cup winning alpine skier Dave Ryding and Sochi 2014 curling bronze medallist Eve Muirhead paraded Team GB’s flag around the stadium and are competing at their fourth Olympics.

‘It’s very special, I never thought I would get asked and when I did, it was the best feeling,’ Muirhead said.

‘I feel very honoured and privileged to accept and be one of the flag bearers.

‘It’s going to be a very special evening, getting the chance to lead the athletes out from Great Britain will be a moment I’ll never forget.’

Ryding, who won Britain’s first gold in the alpine skiing World Cup last month in Kitzbuhel is aiming to medal in the slalom.

‘I think I’m still in shock, still processing the whole thing and making sure I don’t make a mockery of myself doing it,’ he said.

‘I’ve trained alongside Eve at a gym before in Stirling, and now we’re walking out together at an opening ceremony.’

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