Between the boycotts, burner phones, spectator-free events and daily Covid-19 tests, the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 are shaping up to be one of the most dystopian Games in history.
As athletes from around the world land at Beijing Capital International Airport, flag-waving throngs of fans have been replaced with workers in full hazmat suits subjecting them to rigorous containment procedures, testing and other Covid-related protocols.
Coaches and athletes cannot wander out for dumplings or roast duck and there is certainly no shopping for souvenirs.
They must remain confined in their quarters in the Olympic Village until they are shuttled to the venue where they will compete.
In between, they are likely to encounter workers spraying disinfectant, someone with a thermometer to check for fever and someone else ready to shove a swab up their nose.
Hotels and venues are surrounded so that athletes may not enter. And same goes for the events – the bubble must not burst.
“It’s Olympics without friends and family, which is the hardest part,” USA Luge slider Emily Sweeney said.
“I was talking with one of the Latvians and saying, ‘We’re going a little crazy in the head because of Covid,’ but we both agreed, it’s just so important right now. I’ll be able to take a breath afterward. It’s a bubble… but the term ‘bubble’ and the fact that we’re always being tested just keeps me on alert.”
US curler Vicky Persinger said she was scared to take off her mask.
“I’ve had the fear ingrained in me for several months now," she told AP. "But everything is so safe here. They’ve done a great job with all the testing."
