Northeast Ohio Athletes Join Team USA for Beijing Winter Games Amidst Global Controversy
Northeast Ohio is celebrating its representation on the global stage as four local athletes have been named to Team USA for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. In total, the state of Ohio is sending eight athletes to compete in the Games, contributing to a national delegation of over 200 competitors. Among the notable representatives with local ties is Westlake native and snowboarder Red Gerard, who aims to defend the gold medal he won in slopestyle at the 2018 PyeongChang Games. Other Ohio-connected athletes, such as ice dancer Madison Hubbell of Sylvania and freestyle skier Nick Goepper, also highlight the state’s strong presence in winter sports.
However, the lead-up to these Games has been marred by significant controversy and objections from the international community. The event has faced intense scrutiny regarding China’s human rights record, specifically the treatment of the Uyghur population in the Xinjiang region, leading some human rights groups and critics to label the event the “Genocide Olympics.” Consequently, the United States, along with nations such as the United Kingdom and Canada, has implemented a diplomatic boycott; while American athletes will still compete, no government officials will attend the festivities.
Further complicating the event are the strict “zero-COVID” policies enforced by the host nation, creating a rigid “closed loop” system that restricts athletes’ movements and bars international spectators. Environmental concerns have also been raised regarding the Games’ reliance on nearly 100% artificial snow, which critics argue is environmentally unsustainable and potentially dangerous for competitors. Despite these geopolitical tensions and logistical challenges, the Ohio contingent remains focused on their athletic performance as they prepare to compete on the world’s biggest stage.
