Let the games begin. 

The 2022 Winter Olympics are being hosted in Beijing, China, commencing on February 4th, with the closing ceremony scheduled for February 20th. The Winter Olympics dates back to 1924, where it was first hosted in Paris, France, and has since occurred for 94 years. 

However, not everything stayed the same since then. Here are the six brand-new events introduced to the Olympics this year:

Freeski Big Air – This sport is similar to snowboard big air but will consist of one large jump and contestants will be given three attempts to perform their biggest and best tricks to win the gold. 

Women’s Monobob – Bobsledding has been given a new edition, aside from two-man, two-woman and four-man bobsledding that already exists. Competitors will be given all identical sleds to race in and compete for the fastest time. 

Mixed Team Aerials – The freestyle skiing program has yet another update: each team will consist of three athletes. There must be at least one woman and one man on the team and the third athlete can be either male or female. After all the team members have completed their course, their individual points will get added together for a team score.

Mixed Team Snowboard Cross – In this new addition, one man and one woman participating from the same country are paired. The men will race first and once they cross the finish line, their teammate’s gate will open at the start of their course. The women will continue to race and compete for the final results. 

Mixed Team Short Track Relay – This event will be added to the short track program, where it will join the existing women’s 3000m and 5000m relays. Four skaters (two men and two women) will participate in relays, with the two women going first for 2.5 laps each, then the men for 2.5 laps as well. The women will then go again for 2 laps and the men will follow with 2 laps.

Mixed Team Ski Jumping – Since 1988, ski jumping was a men’s event but now expanded into a mixed team event. Each team will consist of four athletes and will jump alternatingly: woman, man, woman, man. Personal scores will be added together to get the total team score.

Not only are there new events taking place during these games, but the Winter Olympics beds are taking the Olympic Village by storm. The athletes are raving about the new adjustable bed that comes with an eight-button remote, ensuring the most comfortable and restful Z’s. 

Clothing is another huge aspect of the Olympics. Team USA is wearing Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS loungewear apparel. Team Canada is dressed in Lululemon, with water-resistant clothing and zippers that can adjust into backpacks. Team Russia is sporting Zasport; Team Sweden is partnered with H&M; Team Germany is wearing Adidas. Talk about a Fashion Week!

With new events and latest technology appearing, we can only imagine what the future will bring for the Summer Olympics in 2024, scheduled to take place in Paris, France. 

Information:

Everything to know about the 2022 Winter Olympics | NBC Olympics

Winter Olympic Beds Are Step Up From Cardboard Ones In Tokyo (ladbible.com)

Winter Olympics 2022: The Most Stylish Uniforms From The Beijing Games (forbes.com)