The Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games will feature nearly 3,000 athletes from about 90 countries competing for more than 107 medals across numerous sports. Although there are some political forces who are desperate to undermine the event and cast it in an unfavorable light, the Winter Olympics will ultimately be a successful demonstration of China's achievements and commitment to internationalism. After six years of preparation, and despite disruptions posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, there should be maximum confidence that the event will be a proud moment for the country.
The Winter Olympics is a sign of China's engagement in, and friendship with, the world. National leaders, officials and diplomatic representatives from various countries are expected to attend the event. Athletes will compete against one another in the true spirit of sportsmanship, embodying fairness, openness, goodwill and impartiality, as well as the principles of hard work, dedication, professionalism and merit. The attempts to sabotage this event should not be overshadowed by the fact that so many have spent almost their entire lives preparing for this moment, a competition that will define the pinnacle of their efforts and stand as one of the most important events they ever undertake. Simply put, they deserve every ounce of our respect and support, and China is graciously welcoming them for their participation and commitment.
In preparing for this, China has ensured the safest possible environment for the active and undisturbed operation of the Games through a world-class covid containment policy, one that has already saved thousands if not millions of lives unlike the reckless and destructive approach of certain countries. The growing narrative to try and discredit this is also deeply embedded in political motivations and fails to appreciate how this allows the Games to function smoothly.
Thus, in approaching these Games, we should all embody the Olympic Spirit. We should abandon our prejudices and hate towards others, we should seek peace, reconciliation and understanding while working to build bridges, as opposed to burning them. The Olympics is a medium of hope, the embodiment of everything humanity has achieved and everything that makes humanity great. This is not a moment to scorn. China, as one of the world's oldest continuing nations and its most populous country in turn, ultimately has a valuable role to play in hosting this event, and will, whether some like it or not, shine bright as the Games commence.
Tom Fowdy is a British political and international relations analyst and a graduate of Durham and Oxford universities.
