Beijing Winter Olympics: Two Years Later
It has been two years since the opening of the Beijing Winter Olympics, and the impact of the event continues to reverberate across China and the world. On the second anniversary of the opening of the Beijing Winter Olympics, the Xinhua News Agency explores the surge in the popularity of ice and snow sports and the blossoming of the ice and snow economy.
The second anniversary, celebrated on February 4, 2022, marks the moment when the Winter Olympics opened and the deep emotional appeal of “Together for the future” captivated audiences worldwide. Today, the carefully sown flowers of the Winter Olympics have bloomed brilliantly, with far-reaching impacts extending towards a brighter future for ice and snow sports.
The legacy of the Beijing Winter Olympics continues to thrive, with venues hosting top-level ice and snow events, showcasing the skills and achievements of Winter Olympic champions. Athletes who realized their dreams at the Beijing Winter Olympics have returned to blessed lands to continue creating history. Chinese athletes have achieved significant milestones, winning championships in various ice and snow sports events, showcasing the country’s growing prowess in the sporting world.
Additionally, the Winter Olympics elements have ignited the ice and snow economy, with Winter Olympics heritage, venues, and culture becoming essential cornerstones for the development of the ice and snow economy and sports industry in Beijing, Zhangjiakou, and beyond. International Olympic Committee President Bach has mentioned several times that China has opened a new era of global winter sports, and the impact is evident in the country’s growing sports industry.
Moreover, ice and snow sports are no longer limited to the younger generation, with national fitness programs promoting the popularity of ice and snow sports across all age groups. The 13th “Bird’s Nest” happy ice and snow season activities and other initiatives have made ice and snow sports a popular fitness choice for people of all ages, further boosting the ice and snow economy.
The surge in ice and snow sports extends beyond the Winter Olympics venues, with ski resorts across the country experiencing increased tourist influx and engaging in various activities to promote ice and snow sports. The diverse landscape and rich venue resources have become the driving force for the development of the ice and snow economy in various regions.
Looking ahead, the legacy of the Beijing Winter Olympics is poised to bring new life and vitality to the ice and snow economy, with the upcoming 14th winter and the 9th Asian Winter Games in 2025 set to further stimulate the development of ice and snow sports and the economy.
The impact of the Beijing Winter Olympics is indeed lasting and far-reaching, with the potential for ice and snow sports to become a key driver for stimulating consumption, promoting regional development, and showcasing the city’s image.
As the world eagerly awaits these upcoming ice and snow events, the ice and snow economy is set to turn into mountains of gold and silver, as Professor Bai Yufei of Beijing Sport University puts it. The dream of the Beijing Winter Olympics has become a reality, and its impact continues to bloom across the country and the world.