Paralympic Winter Games Research Articles

Role Models or Inferior Participants? Chinese News Portrayals of Gender and Disability in the 2022 Winter Paralympic Games

The question of how gender and disability are portrayed in sports media is less explored in many societies including China. This research investigates the Chinese news portrayals of female versus male Paralympians and their relationships with the Chinese sociocultural context. Employing Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis (Multimodal CDA) to analyze language and images in Chinese news coverage of the 2022 Winter Paralympic Games, this study finds evidence that female and male Paralympians are both constructed as inferior physicalities in sports. However, in the discourse of ableism and sexism, female Paralympians are doubly marginalized from the perspectives of physicality and masculinity. The display of sexism further trivializes female Paralympians by portraying them as feminine, infantile, and physically inferior compared to male Paralympians. The discursive representations interact with body ideology, disability discourse, and gender ideology in post-reform China, further strengthening the dominance of males and the non-disabled in and beyond sports.

Estimating the snow density using collocated Parsivel and Micro-Rain Radar measurements: a preliminary study from ICE-POP 2017/2018

Abstract. A new method is developed to derive the bulk density and bulk water fraction of a population of particles from collocated measurements from the Micro-Rain Radar (MRR) and Particle Size and Velocity disdrometer (Parsivel). A rigorous particle-scattering simulation, namely the T-matrix method, is applied to Parsivel's particle size distribution data to calculate the reflectivity (ZHH). The possible combinations of the particle's ice, air, and water are derived to compare them with the MRR-measured ZHH. The combination of the minimum water fraction and maximum ice fraction subsequently determines the bulk density (ρbulk). The proposed method is applied to the data collected from the International Collaborative Experiments for Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic winter games (ICE-POP 2018) projects and its pre-campaign. The estimated ρbulk was examined independently by a comparison of the liquid-equivalent snowfall rate (SR) of collocated Pluvio devices. The bias values are adequately low (SR: −0.25–0.06 mm h−1). The retrieved bulk density also shows good consistency with collocated Precipitation Imaging Package (PIP) retrievals. The results indicate the capability of the proposed algorithm to derive reliable ρbulk, leveraging the compact and easily deployable designs of MRR and Parsivel. The derived bulk density of the two warm–low cases (28 February and 7 March 2018) shares a similar transition as the systems were decaying. The higher bulk density and bulk water fraction were found in the coastal sites (BKC and GWU have a median value of ρbulk and are 0.05 to 0.12 g cm−3), typically accompanied by higher liquid-water constituents (mean values of the top 5 % bulk water fraction are 0.07 to 0.45) than the inland sites (YPO and MHS have a median value of ρbulk and are 0.06 to 0.10, and mean values of the top 5 % bulk water fraction are 0.001 to 0.008) during such synoptic conditions.

Retraction Note: Lessons from the Winter Paralympic Games disclosing the epidemiology of winter sports injury in paralytic athletes: a meta-analysis

Retraction Note: Lessons from the Winter Paralympic Games disclosing the epidemiology of winter sports injury in paralytic athletes: a meta-analysis

Climate change and the climate reliability of hosts in the second century of the Winter Olympic Games

ABSTRACT In the year the world first surpassed the 1.5°C dangerous global warming threshold set out in the Paris Climate Agreement, the international community celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Olympic Winter Games and considers its future in a warmer world. In the largest study to date, the climate reliability of 93 locations to host Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (OWG and PWG) snow sports is examined. Under a more probable mid-range emission scenario (RCP4.5, SSP2-45), 52 locations remain climate-reliable for the OWG in the 2050s and 46 in the 2080s. The scheduling of the PWG in March put it at higher risk, with only 22 climate-reliable locations in the 2050s and 16 in the 2080s. When a more stringent minimum snow depth requirement was applied, the number of reliable locations declined slightly for both OWG and PWG, signifying the importance of advanced sustainable snowmaking as an adaptation strategy. While it is inevitable that climate change will impact the geography and development of winter sports to some degree, a reassuring finding is that even with a diminished pool of potential host locations, with continued adaptation, the OWG-PWG can endure as a genuinely global celebration of sport.

Review of the economic aspect of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games

To estimate whether holding the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games could promote notable economic growth within a country or trigger the situation of government deficit to some extent, this article will first introduce two economic models, the Solow Growth Model and the Endogenous Growth Model, which are widely used to solve economic problems, then applicate these two models to analysis this issue respectively by comparing to the precise data released by official institutions. Data from some authorities, the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and the National Bureau of Statistics of China were used to measure some variables affecting a nation’s economy, such as GDP per capita, TFP, capital, employment, and so on. Finally, through comparing relative variables in each model to determine two results about if Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games is positive for economic growth. Inevitably, each kind of model may have limitations that are not able to be adaptable to all sorts of situations, thus, in the last part of this article, some loopholes in analyzing this issue will be shown.

Assessing the key concerns in snow storage: a case study for China

Abstract. Snow security plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of winter sports events and supporting the ski industry. One effective approach to enhancing snow reliability is through snow storage. Despite its potential benefits, investigations of snow storage in China have been limited. To address this gap, we implemented snow storage covered with geotextiles at two venues, namely the Big Air Shougang (BAS) in Beijing for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games and the National Biathlon Center (NBC) in Chongli for the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympic Games, in response to possible extreme meteorological conditions. To assess the key concerns associated with snow storage, ablation (the process of snow loss) and snow properties, we introduced a fine-snow-pile monitoring system and the SNOWPACK model. Our observations revealed that, by 18 February, the snow pile at BAS had lost 158.6 m3 of snow (equivalent to 6.7 % of the initial volume). Subsequently, the accelerated ablation was influenced by meteorological conditions and a thin geotextile layer. Between 16 January and 15 April, the snow pile at BAS experienced a total loss of 1242.9 m3 of snow (corresponding to 52.7 % of the original volume). Regarding snow properties, no significant variations were modeled at the study sites, except for the upper part of the snow piles. Notably, the evaporation of the geotextiles contributed to slowing the ablation process. Consequently, we discourage the use of impermeable coverage schemes for snow storage. Instead, the thickness of the cover played a vital role in preserving the snow pile. At Beijing and Chongli, the 0.7 and 0.4 m thick cover layers, respectively, were found to protect approximately half of the snow pile height over the summer season. Importantly, the evolution of snow properties was consistent across the different cover thicknesses. The findings of our study have implications for the ski industry in China, as they provide valuable insights into snow storage techniques and their impact on snow reliability.

Beijing Winter Olympics and China’s Middle East Diplomacy in the Xi Era

ABSTRACT Sports diplomacy, host diplomacy and pandemic diplomacy intertwined in the Beijing Winter Olympics and jointly served China’s overall diplomacy. The Middle East region has a long history of participation in the Winter Olympics. A total of seven Middle East countries, including Turkey, Cyprus, Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Iran, participated in Beijing Winter Olympics, while Israel and Iran participated in the Beijing Paralympic Winter Games. Middle East countries generally help China break the politicization of the Winter Olympics from other countries. Thanks to the Beijing Winter Olympics, Chinese president and leaders of Middle East countries met offline for the first time since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is also conducive to the new development of relations between China and the Middle East in the post-pandemic era. The leaders of Egypt, the UAE and Qatar also took the opportunity of attending the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics to hold their own meetings, which is conducive to the further repair of the relations among these countries since the Qatar diplomatic crisis. The Beijing Winter Olympics objectively set up a platform to promote the easing of crisis issues in the Middle East.

A Proposal for an “Environmental Sports Journalism” (ESJ) Approach: Principles and Illustrative Examples From Coverage of the Rio 2016 and PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Games

This article introduces/rationalizes an attempt to conceptualize “environmental sports journalism (ESJ).” ESJ refers to a set of principles for analyzing and/or reporting on media coverage of sport-related environmental issues—principles intended to support/promote dialogue and nuanced thinking about these issues and about how sports journalism might contribute to environmentally friendly and just outcomes. To clarify features of ESJ and explore benefits/challenges of ESJ, we include illustrative examples of ESJ from media coverage of: (a) polluted harbor water used for the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games and (b) the razing of an ancient forest for a ski facility for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. We conclude with reflections on the potential/limits of ESJ and suggestions for work on sport, journalism, and environmental issues.

Incidence of injury and illness at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games held in a closed-loop environment: a prospective cohort study of 7332 athlete days

ObjectiveTo describe the epidemiology of injuries and illnesses sustained during the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, organised in a closed-loop environment to adhere with COVID-19 restrictions.MethodsInjuries and illnesses from all...

Pushing forward: exploring the impact of the sitting position on muscle activation patterns and force generation during paralympic sit-cross-country skiing.

Paralympic cross-country sit-skiing is a discipline of the Paralympic Winter Games where athletes use a specialized sledge. Athletes are classified into different groups according to their functional abilities. The double poling technique is used to push the sledge forward and generate speed. Different sitting positions in the sledge are used based on the individual impairment. To date there is no data available on the effects of these different positions on muscle activation patterns. The aim of this study was to analyze the muscle activation patterns of the trunk and upper body muscles in relation to the poling force. Nine Able-bodied athletes were tested on a treadmill at submaximal speed in three sitting positions for 4 min in a flat and uphill condition. Sitting positions included a "knee-high" position, a "knee-low" position, and a "neutral" position with the sitting platform parallel to the ground. Unilateral pole forces and surface EMG from three trunk muscles, two upper limb muscles, and one lower limb muscle were recorded simultaneously on the dominate side. Data were segmented into individual cycles and mean values and standard deviations calculated for each subject and condition. Statistical analyses, including a Friedman test and Bonferroni correction, were applied to examine significant differences across different sitting positions. Our findings demonstrate that while certain muscle groups such as the erector spinae and triceps show consistent patterns of activation across different sitting positions, there is considerable variability among individual athletes, suggesting individualized strategies for task execution. Overall, force application was most efficient in the "knee low" position with 691.33 ± 148.83 N and least efficient in the "knee high" position with 582.81 ± 115.11 N. Testing impaired athletes will be the next step in understanding the neurophysiological aspects of the poling movement. This experimental protocol provides a basis for understanding the movement of paralympic cross-country sit-skiing in greater depth.

Making compromises without a hurting stalemate, the change of the emblem of the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games

The study unveils a unique case in the Paralympic Games through investigating the negotiation between the International Paralympic Committee and the Beijing Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games for the change of the emblem of the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games two years after its official release. Qualitative data is collected through interviews with senior personnel and archival documents and is analysed through employing the Advocacy Coalition Framework to highlight the change in the belief system of the two parties and the interaction between the policy subsystem and the broader political and social economic system. The findings reveal the shift in the belief system of respective Coalitions and the change in the power dynamics. The paper concludes with a discussion concerning the ACF’s four pathways of policy change and a response to one of the questions that is raised in the ACF literature for further researches.

Team USA injury and illness incidence at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the injury and illness incidence from Team USA athletes from the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games and assess any sex-based...

Investigation of supplement use and knowledge among Japanese elite athletes for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic/Paralympic games and the Beijing 2022 winter Olympic/Paralympic games

Elite athletes frequently invest in the use of supplements to optimize their dietary regimens and enhance their athletic performance. However, unregulated and unplanned use of supplements can lead to adverse consequences, including anti-doping rule violations or health issues. Thus, athletes should verify their diets, consider scientific evidence, and take necessary precautions regarding supplements before use. To date, no study has explored whether athletes check these factors before using supplements. This study aimed to investigate supplement use using a questionnaire administered to 1,392 athletes (including candidate athletes) who participated in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic/Paralympic and Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic/Paralympic Games. Participants were categorized as follows: 1,040 participants in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, 83 in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, 239 in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, and 30 in the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympic Games. We collected data on supplement use and gained further knowledge through interviews with the athletes. Approximately 70% of Tokyo 2020 Olympic/Paralympic and Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic athletes and approximately 50% of Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympians used supplements. Over 50% of athletes had not received a doctor's diagnosis or a dietitian's evaluation before supplement use. Moreover, only 50% of the athletes who used dietary supplements reviewed the scientific evidence for the dietary supplements before using them and justified their choice based on their own investigation, while those who did not use dietary supplements cited either a lack of need or fear of an anti-doping rule violation. Considering the holistic health and performance of athletes, as well as the risk associated with unregulated use, such as overdose and anti-doping rule violations, there is a need for nutritional education on supplement use for athletes and their entourages.

Pandemic-specific coping, anxiety, and depression across multiple waves of COVID-19 in elite athletes with disabilities.

Competitive athletes have faced many of the same mental health challenges experienced by the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the current study was to examine the extent to which pandemic-specific coping predicted anxiety and depression over and above general coping styles in elite athletes with disabilities across multiple waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were 91 athletes (60 men and 31 women) in the Polish Paralympic Preparation Program before the 2020 Tokyo Summer Paralympic Games and 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympic Games. The Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations and an open-ended item asking participants to describe coping resources they had used to overcome stressful situations caused by the pandemic were administered in April 2021, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was administered in April, July, and November of 2021. General coping styles were not significantly associated with pandemic-specific coping, anxiety, or depression in the July and November 2021 assessments. Pandemic-specific coping was related prospectively to both anxiety and depression across the July and November 2021 assessments when controlling for age, gender, general coping styles, and April 2021 anxiety and depression, respectively. The findings suggest that elite athletes with disabilities may cope with pandemic-related stress differently from how they cope with stress in general and that pandemic-specific coping may be relevant to mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. This information may be useful in the development of interventions to assist elite athletes with disabilities cope with pandemics and other atypical stressors.

Incidence Of Illnesses Among Team Usa Athletes Competing In The Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympic Games

Incidence Of Illnesses Among Team Usa Athletes Competing In The Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympic Games

Incidence Of Injuries And Illnesses Among Team Usa Staff Supporting The 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympic Games

Incidence Of Injuries And Illnesses Among Team Usa Staff Supporting The 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympic Games

Incidence Of Injuries Among Team Usa Athletes Competing In The Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympic Games

Incidence Of Injuries Among Team Usa Athletes Competing In The Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympic Games

30‐4: Distinguished Paper: Design of Outdoor LED Ground Display System in Major Scenes

LED ground display system, as an important outdoor display system in the opening and closing ceremonies of the 24th Beijing Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, has brought spectacular and gorgeous artistic presentation to the world. Compared with the traditional outdoor display system, this display system has many innovations in display product design, control system design and field implementation. This paper gives detail introduction to the ground display system, especially about the innovative product design, high reliability design, color correction and on site implementation of the semicircular display area on both sides. It provides a successful design case for world class large‐scale outdoor display system.

Sports Diplomacy from the Perspective of Human Destiny Community----Taking the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics Games as an Example

Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games have been highly appraised by the international society, which brought great value and influence to China, the Olympics, and mankind. Their success is to use the Olympic movement to carry out sports diplomacy so as to spread the Olympic spirit and the values of the human destiny community to the world, and to show a good image of China 's contribution to the construction of the human destiny community. It conveys the beautiful imagination that the people of the world can Together for a Shared Future to achieve win-win cooperation among countries. The article uses methods of literary analysis and case analysis to analyze and discusses sports diplomacy from the perspective of the "human destiny community" -- taking the Beijing Winter Olympic Games and Paralympic Games as examples. This paper will analyze the relationship between the Olympic spirit and the "human destiny community", and then analyze how the concept of "human destiny community" are implemented in the Beijing Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games and its important role in building the human destiny community.

Factors Influencing the Online Attention to the 2022 Beijing Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games

<p>This study aims to identify the factors influencing the online attention to the 2022 Beijing Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games. In order to accomplish the same, data of online attention to its Baidu index were collected. Factors influencing the online attention to the 2022 Beijing Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games included in this study are populations of the gross and regional permanent residents and young and middle-aged residents and the per-capita disposable income in the China Statistical Yearbook, and the Internet penetration rate in Internet Report. The results demonstrated that the online attention to the 2022 Beijing Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games would be significantly enhanced by increasing the Internet penetration rate and per-capita income. Simultaneously, young and middle-aged groups will also play a role in the remarkable enhancement of online attention. In addition, the large population base of the permanent residents will also help in improving it. There is a clear difference in the geographical distribution between North and South of China in terms of online attention.</p> <p> </p>