What We Know About the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics
One of the most prestigious competitions that skaters and spectators alike look forward to is the Winter Olympics. Every four years, the top competitors in each category compete for Olympic gold. The 2022 Winter Olympics will be held in Beijing, bringing some of the world’s best competitors together. Here’s what you need to know about the Beijing Winter Olympics, from how to enter the competition, who to watch, what to expect, and more.
Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics
The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Games is scheduled to take place from Feb. 4 to 20. This will be the first time that China has ever hosted the Winter Olympics, and Beijing will be the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games! Another exciting fact is that the city plans to utilize some of the existing venues during the massive competition.
Who to Watch
While the 2022 Winter Olympics is still a few years away, it’s never too early to start thinking about them. The Olympics brings out some of the best competition in the world. As a fan, you can expect to see a wide range of beautiful routines and impressive skills. Whether they’re newcomers or seasoned veterans, these figure skaters will likely be putting on a show to remember when qualifying season rolls around.
Vincent Zhou
As a silver medalist at the 2019 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Vincent Zhou is well on his way to achieving a spot on the 2022 Olympic team. Keep an eye out in the coming years as Zhou’s star continues to rise.
How to Compete
The Olympics is the most coveted competition in most sports, including figure skating. Making the Olympic team is a dream come true for many skaters, and an incredibly hard feat. What exactly does it take to make the team? For starters, each country gets limited slots that each depending on how well its team performs at the World Figure Skating Championships the year before the Olympics.
Here’s how spots are allocated:
- For three Olympic entries: If a country has one skater/team, they must place in the top two. If a country has two or three skaters/teams, the total sum of the top two placements must be less than or equal to 13.
- For two Olympic entries: If a country has one skater/team, they must place in the top 10. If a country has two or three skaters/team, the total sum of the top two placements must be less than or equal to 28.
- For one Olympic entry: If a country doesn’t place in the top 10 or have a total placement of 28 or less, then the remaining spots to be filled are determined by placement at the World Figure Skating Championships, as well as the Nebelhorn Trophy, an international competition held in Germany, until all quotas are filled.
In the United States, the figure skaters who will be selected for the Olympic team are usually determined just a few weeks in advance. Those selected are typically chosen based on their placement at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, although exceptions can be made. We’re looking forward to seeing what happens next in the exciting world of competitive figure skating!
Prepare for Future Olympics with Skates from Riedell
Whether you’re a top competitor already going for the gold or a young skater dreaming of one day competing at the Olympics, having the proper equipment is critical to your success. Consider customizing your figure skates to fit your unique needs, so you’ll be comfortable and stylish on the ice. At Riedell, our master craftsmen can design and build your custom ice skates to exacting specifications and features including prescription orthotics, high or low arches, heel spurs, toe room, and more. If you’re serious about skating, custom skates are the way to go. Head to one of our authorized dealers or contact us today to get started on your dream of becoming an Olympian.