Olympia

All news and posts of our editorial team on the topic

Green power for all from Zhangjiakou
What remains of the climate pledges made by the Olympic and Paralympic host? Above all, Zhangjiakou's green power network. It supplies power to all sports venues and, according to experts, could become a model for all of China. continue reading →
CCTV censors Paralympics ceremony
Chinese state television continues to owe the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) an explanation for its censorship. During the live broadcast of the opening ceremony of the Paralympics last Friday in Beijing, CCTV had largely abstained from the otherwise usual simultaneous translation of the opening speech of IPC President Andrew Parsons. Among other things, Parsons strongly […] continue reading →
Beijing’s hidden cathedral
China and its religion have a difficult relationship. Out of concern for loss of control, Beijing restricts most religious communities to the point of suppression. But on the occasion of the Olympic Games, the Chinese government wanted to pretend openness to the world. With some bizarre consequences. continue reading →
‘The invasion of Ukraine overshadows the Paralympics’
It could have been Beijing's second chance after the Winter Olympics failed to deliver the desired image boost. But the Paralympics are completely overshadowed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, says Mark Dreyer, sports journalist and book author. The day before the opening of the Beijing Olympics, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) excluded Russia and Belarus from participating. Ning Wang spoke with Dreyer. continue reading →
‘Significance of the Olympic Games will change’
According to a recent Civey survey, the reputation of both the Olympic Games and the People's Republic of China has suffered, at least in Germany. Nevertheless, the hosts consider the Olympics a complete success, which gives them greater legitimacy, especially in domestic politics. continue reading →
Olympics ticker
The Chinese team failed to win any medals on Thursday. However, ski freestyle star Eileen Gu won the qualification in the halfpipe and thus stoked medal hopes for Friday. Meanwhile, the weather is getting colder and colder. Even if winter athletes are generally considered to be hardened: The icy temperatures are causing problems. The last […] continue reading →
The magic of Chinese numbers
Numbers usually come with the addition of "左右" (left and right) in China – that is, an "approximate" approximation of reality. Johnny Erling reveals how everyone from Karl-Heinz Rummenigge to IOC chief Thomas Bach, as well as major companies and investors, have repeatedly allowed themselves to be gullibly mesmerized by China's magic of big numbers coupled with even bigger promises. continue reading →
Eileen Gu in the maelstrom of geopolitics
Eileen Gu has entered a political minefield by switching flags from the USA to China. Accusations of treason in the US are now followed by resentment in China regarding her privileged life. Statements that seem innocent and detached don't help. Gu has to realize that for top athletes like her, there is no such thing as a politics-free zone in the current times. continue reading →
Olympics ticker
Another day, another gold. The Chinese team also struck gold in ski freestyle on Wednesday – this time in men’s aerials. But there were also a few unlucky ones, among others, in short track, which is actually a Chinese specialty. China already won gold once this week in women’s aerials. Qi Guangpu followed suit and […] continue reading →