For most of my life, the Olympics have been a highlight, a time for comradery and excitement. I remember sitting with my mom as we watched the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics. It was the first Olympics I remember watching. I was utterly enamored by the displays in the opening ceremony. We watched athletes from all over the world compete. I looked up to all the athletes, wishing I could be just like them—though I suppose I’ve failed in that regard; I’d rather write than compete in sports. But still I dreamed. It has been a tradition ever since then for my mom and me to watch the Olympics together—both summer and winter.
Watching this year’s Olympics has been a mixed affair. I relived the excitement I felt as a little girl when the athletes marched in the Parade of Nations through the Bird’s Nest, the same stadium used in the 2008 Summer Olympics. I have enjoyed following my favorite athletes, Chloe Kim and Nathan Chen, as they’ve won gold medals for the US. I’ve cheered on Shaun White, the snowboarding legend, in his final Olympics. I’ve gathered around the TV with my family to watch an assortment of events. All of this has been enjoyable, but a darker side has corrupted the experience for both me and others.
After some controversial calls in speed-skating events ended with China winning gold, the integrity of the judges was questioned by other athletes. Yuzuru Hanyu, a figure skater representing Japan, said his short programme was ruined by a divot in the ice.
In addition, the Russian Olympic Committee figure skating champion, Kamila Valieva, tested positive for the doping drug trimetazidine. Russia's Olympic history of doping has caused the International Olympic Committee to bar them from officially competing in the Olympics since 2017. The Russians are only allowed to compete as the “Russian Olympic Committee” and are not allowed to use their national flag. Valieva was cleared to compete in the women’s singles figure skating event because she is a minor and not held accountable for her actions. This allowance on the part of the Olympic Committee has people questioning the controversy surrounding Sha’Carri Richardson’s disqualification during the 2021 Summer Olympics. Adam Rippon, Johnny Weir, and Tara Lipinski, former figure skaters, expressed their displeasure over the IOC’s decision regarding Valieva, claiming that it was not fair to the other athletes.
All of these scandals and the inevitable politics that ensued have twisted the Olympics, making it far less enjoyable. The Olympic games are meant to showcase the best athletes in the world. It’s a time for worldwide comradery as nations from all over gather together to set milestones and break records. Barriers are supposed to be pushed. Opportunities are supposed to be created. The Olympics and the incredible athletes should inspire people all over the world to chase their dreams. But here we are, watching the Olympic flames waver as their integrity is being questioned. Can we as a global society no longer put aside our differences and allow a symbol of worldwide connection to run smoothly, without corrupting it with personal greed?
“Recognizing the fact that the Olympics can sometimes represent the worst of human selfishness and ego, there is nothing like seeing a figure skater execute a seamless jump. It brings a different kind of joy. A kind of transcendent peace I generally only feel while watching figure skating at the Olympics,” says Alexander Hess (junior, English).
Even with all of this negativity, I still believe there is hope for the future. I will continue cheering on both of my countries (USA and Canada) through it all. I want to see underdogs rise to the occasion. I want to see athletes live out their dreams of standing on that podium. I still enjoy watching the skaters, snowboarders, skiers, and everything in between competing in their events. One day, I hope that the future will be brighter; that the games will be more about coming together as a world than needing to beat everyone else.
Andrews University is often described as one of the most diverse universities in the US. With students from all over the world, I believed that the Olympics could serve to be something that brings us together in celebration. However, with all of these controversies and politics being pulled into the games, we as students need to unite and celebrate our different heritages through other methods. Even with all of the negativity, I think the Winter Olympics have been worthwhile to watch and I recommend it for anyone who is looking to cheer on their country’s athletes.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.