Winter Olympics LIVE: China officially open Games as TV reporter dragged away by Beijing security

The 2022 Winter Olympics officially got underway on Friday as the Olympic flame was lit at the opening ceremony in Beijing. The ceremony took place at the Bird’s Nest stadium, built and used for the 2008 summer Olympic games, as Beijing becomes the first city to host both editions of the games. The stadium also served as the venue for Track and Field as well the men’s 2008 gold medal soccer game, but will not host any sporting events in 2022.

The opening ceremony was directed by Oscar-nominated cinematographer Zhang Yimou, who directed the opening and closing ceremonies in 2008. The parade of nations followed the same order as at Beijing 2008, with countries entering the stadium according the strokes used in the Chinese-language characters of their names. Greece, as tradition dictates, entered first as the first-ever host of the Olympics, and China as the host nation entered last. Plenty of dignitaries were in attendance with cameras appearing to catch Vladimir Putin not paying full attention.

Away from the ceremony, British curlers Jen Dodds and Bruce Mouat took on Australia in the mixed doubles event. Team USA dominated figure skating events that began on Friday, starting with American star Nathan Chen, 22, topping the chart with a new personal record of 111.71 in men’s short while Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue earned 86.56 in rhythm skating. Follow all the latest below.

Winter Olympics opening ceremony live

• Opening ceremony officially opens 2022 Winter Olympics

• Eve Muirhead and Dave Ryding are Team GB flagbearers

• China land ice hockey win over Denmark

• Chinese duo set new world record in figure skating pairs

• GB edge out Australia in curling battle

Every sport at Beijing 2022

17:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The first medals will be won tomorrow, then, but do you need a reminder of every sport at Beijing 2022? Of course you do!

Which sports are in Winter Olympics? Full list of 2022 events

Medals to be won on Day One

16:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There are six medal events on the first official day of the Winter Olympics:

- Mixed Relay (Biathlon)

- Women’s Skiathlon (Cross-Country Skiing)

- Men’s Moguls (Freestyle Skiing)

- Mixed Relay (Short Track Speed Skating)

- Women’s Normal Hill Individual (Ski Jumping)

- Women’s 3000m (Speed Skating)

Why Beijing 2022 promises to be an off-piste, off-page and off-platform Winter Olympics

16:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The action intensifies on the first day of action proper at Beijing 2022 tomorrow, with the first medals awarded of a Winter Olympics that will be truly unique.

Beijing promises to be an off-piste, off-page and off-putting pandemic Olympics

Team GB ready for Winter Olympics

16:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

56 members of the Team GB travelling party were inside the Bird’s Nest for the Opening Ceremony. The British Olympic team are eyeing their most successful Winter Olympics - can they better the five medals won in each of the last two Games?

Opening ceremony fireworks kickstart Winter Olympics left under a cloud

15:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

False snow and false promises - James Toney in Beijing on a toned-down Opening Ceremony with plenty of charm to distract from wider questions about these Winter Olympics.

Opening ceremony fireworks kickstart Winter Olympics left under a cloud

Rings and things and fine array

15:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Beijing 2022 began with a more considered, calm Opening Ceremony than Zhang Yimou’s spectacular before the 2008 Summer Games, but there were plenty of lovely images during the pageantry - the “melting” of the false ice block to reveal those familiar five circles chief among them.

Protestors in London denounce Winter Olympics during Opening Ceremony

15:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

5,000 miles away from Beijing, protestors in London have been out on the streets to condemn China’s human rights record and the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to award the country a second Olympics in 14 years.

Protesters denounce Winter Olympics with mock medals for ‘record breaking atrocities’

Did Putin fall asleep during Ukraine’s entrance?

14:47 , Lawrence Ostlere

As Ukraine entered the Bird’s Nest in Beijing during the Winter Olympic opening ceremony, the cameras naturally panned to Russian president Vladimir Putin in the stands given the escalating tensions between the two countries over recent days. But instead of watching on, was Putin actually asleep? Footage appeared to show the president sitting with his eyes closed for several seconds before suddenly stirring:

The lighting of the Olympic cauldron

14:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Cross-country skier Dinigeer Yilamujiang and Nordic combined competitor Zhao Jiawen emerged from the snowflake to hold the final flame aloft.

The Opening Ceremony concludes

14:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lighting the flame

14:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The final six torchbearers are placed at intervals through the arena. They are Chinese Winter Olympians from successive decades, including speed skater Yang Yang, who in 2002 became the first Winter Olympic gold medallist from the country.

Sharing the honour of lighting the flame will be two current competitors, including Zhao Jiawen, the first Nordic combined qualifier from China.

They dip beneath the snowflake and are raised up to it, torch held to flame to ignite it before yet more fireworks blast overhead. The Winter Olympics are here.

Olympic Oath

14:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

As is traditional, one athlete, judge or official, and one coach reads the Olympic Oath on behalf of all athletes, officials and coaches at the Winter Olympics.

We then, slightly strangely, watch a montage of children falling over on snow and ice, set to the tune of “Frère Jacques”.

Olympic Flag carried through the arena

14:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Olympic Flag is carried across the Beijing National Stadium floor to be hoisted up the flagpole. A choir of Chinese children have been taught the Olympic Hymn in its original Greek, and produce a slightly haunting, though impressive, rendition.

Xi Jinping opens Beijing 2022

13:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Flashing fireworks fly into the Beijing night as Xi Jinping wastes little time declaring the Games open. The 2022 Winter Olympics are officially underway.

Thomas Bach passes over to Xi Jinping

13:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“Now, it is my honour to introduce his excellency Xi Jinping to declare the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games open.”

Tibetan activists protest against Beijing Games

13:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Tibetan activists protest against Beijing Games at IOC headquarters

IOC President Thomas Bach speaks

13:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“Unfortunately the global pandemic is still a reality for all of us. Therefore our gratitutde is even greater for the Beijing 2022 Organising Committee and all the Chinese people. Thank you for making these Games happen in a safe way for everyone.

“We all could only get here because of the countless medical workers, doctors and scientists who are going beyond the call of duty. Thank you for your outstanding efforts and solidarity.

“In the same spirit, our heart goes out to all the athletes who because of the pandemic cannot make their Olympic dream come true. Dear fellow Olympians, your stage is set. You have arrived here after overcoming so many challenges, living through great uncertainty. Now your moment has come, the moment you have been longing for; the moment we all have been longing for. Now your Olympic dream is coming true in magnificent venues.”

“Over the next two weeks you will compete with each other for the highest prize. At the same time, you will live peacefully together under one roof in the Olympic village. There will be no discrimination for any reason whatsoever. In our fragile world where division, conflict and mistrust are on the rise, we show the world that it is possible to be fierce rivals while at the same time living peacefully together. This is the mission of the Olympic aims: bringing us together in peaceful competition, and always building bridges.”

Thomas Bach and Cai Qi make speeches

13:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Thomas Bach makes his way down from the posh seats, with the IOC president joined on the rostrum by Cai Qi, president of the organising committee for Beijing 2022.

They each make speeches welcoming those watching to the Winter Olympics, talking up the event’s ability to bring people together. Bach thanks the “gracious hosts for welcoming us so warmly”.

The forming of the snowflake

13:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That concludes the Parade of Nations. Each nation was led out by a woman carrying a distinct snowflake flashing with the country’s name, and I believe these individuals are now going to join the smaller flakes together to form a larger flake.

They do with impeccable timing and choreography, giving way to an even bigger CGI projection, which drifts across the performance area and up behind the Olympic rings.

China emerge

13:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And last to exit the tunnel will be China, half clad in the vibrant red of the flag and half in more muted suede coats and wooly hats. An enthusiastic reception both from those in the stands and in the bowl, whose impressive exertions are almost at an end.

Italy are the penultimate nation out

13:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

With Milan and Cortina d’Amprezzo hosting the next Winter Olympics, Italy are afforded the right to be the penultimate country out into the bird’s nest. Their athletes appear to be in some sort of warming kaftan in Italian colours - not sure it quite works, but it’s something different.

Winter Olympic figure skaters stun viewers with ‘twisted’ Joker-Harley Quinn cosplay

13:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Opening Ceremony may take centre stage today but there has been plenty happening otherwise on Day 0 in Beijing - including particular interest in a figure skating routine...

Olympic figure skaters stun viewers with ‘twisted’ cosplay

Switzerland and Sweden

13:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A couple of powerhouse nations back-to-back - Sweden after Switzerland, the seventh and eighth most successful countries at the Winter Olympics in history. 57 golds to 56 - will the Swiss push ahead in 2022?

Parade of Nations

13:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Slovenia, Slovakia and Portugal

13:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The curse of country coders, Slovenia and Slovakia are next out. Two-time world champion downhill skier Ilka Stuhec carries the Slovenian flag alongside Rok Marguč, who replaced fellow snowboarder Žan Košir after a positive Covid test.

Portugal follow along, with one of their athletes opting to mimic Cristiano Ronaldo’s “Siu” celebration. Don’t tell Andy Murray.

Another debutant

13:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A nation that has suffered such misfortune, it is heartening to see Haiti make their debut at the Winter Olympics. Richardson Viano is their alpine skiing entry.

Trinidad and Tobago return

13:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

20 years on from their last appearance, Trinidad and Tobago are back at the Winter Olympics, entering a duo into the two-man bobsleigh. Axel Brown, born in Harrogate, has switched allegiance from Great Britain.

USA and American Samoa

13:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The USA have a large contingent in Beijing, including plenty of stars - unlike the unincorporated territory of American Samoa, who have just one.

Nathan Crumpton is their sole competitor and will take part just six months on from sprinting in the 100 metres at Tokyo 2020. An impressive achievement, and Crumpton shows off his physique with a oiled-up, topless carry of the flag.

Parade of Nations continues

12:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Kazakh athletes proudly display scarves bearing their country’s name, holding them aloft like belts before a title bout. The performers are still going, by the way, now hopping about with thumbs up. Extraordinary energy.

Team GB’s make their entrance to Beijing 2022

12:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Dave Ryding and Eve Muirhead carried the British flag into the Bird’s Nest, leading a team 50-strong into the 2022 Winter Olympics.

ROC on

12:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Russian athletes are again competing under the ROC tag in Beijing:

Why is Russia banned from the Winter Olympics and what is ROC?

Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony

12:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony

12:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Team GB enter the Bird’s Nest

12:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here come Dave Ryding and Eve Muirhead, gently rocking the flag back and forth, Muirhead taking a moment to ensure it is flying fully. The British athletes are clad in Union Jack roll-necks and similarly branded bobble hats.

A debut for Saudi Arabia

12:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Welcome to Saudi Arabia, continuing the Middle Eastern nation’s increasing ubiquity in modern sport. The attempt to broaden the origin of competitors in alpine skiing has helped Fayik Abdi become their first Winter Olympian.

Iceland and Andorra

12:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Iceland and Andorra are nations without a Winter Olympic medal despite seemingly favourable conditions, rather hamstrung by limited populations.

Andorra do have a junior Olympic podium finisher in their midst - Joan Verdú Sánchez finished third in the Super-G at the Youth Olympics in 2012.

Parade of Nations continues

12:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Spain’s flag-bearers do a rather lovely swivel, swinging their banner around as their dignitary waves from the balcony.

Following them out are Alpine microstate Liechtenstein. Skier Tina Weirather won bronze in the Super-G Pyeongchang but has since retired.

Canada

12:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Taking longer to come out are Canada’s much, much larger group, who look toasty beneath great vermilion coats.

India and Nigeria

12:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

India may have the second highest population of any country but they are another single-athlete nation after the retirement of legendary luger and six-time Olympian Shiva Keshavan. Skier Arif Khan thus leads India’s efforts.

Nigeria may have no athletes competing - their sole entrant has tested positive for Covid-19, though it is hoped Samuel Ikpefan may be clear of isolation for his cross-country events.

Opening Ceremony

12:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Timor-Leste, often referred to as East Timor, are another country with a small group to have travelled, followed by North Macedonia, appearing at a Winter Olympics under that name for the first time after making the alteration to distinguish the country from the Greek region.

Belarus have some Winter Olympic pedigree - they’ve got seven golds in the last two Games.

More nations

12:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Denmark and the Ukraine are among the next to emerge. One Ukrainian has two small flags wedged between his mask and his cheeks, which is a slightly curious look.

All of the athletes are getting plenty of encouragement from waving and stomping performers at the Beijing National Stadium, who are showing rather impressive stamina.

Pakistan have as many presidents as athletes in China - Imran Khan will be watching on as alpine skier Muhammad Karim makes his third Olympic appearance.

Belgium, Japan and Taiwan

12:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Belgium and Japan come next, with the latter tipped to potentially have their best Winter Olympics yet.

And here are Taiwan, known as Chinese Taipei at the Olympic Games as a compromise with China amid the ongoing dispute over the island’s disputed status as a sovereign nation.

Parade of Nations

12:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Malta and Madagascar also bring small units, as might be expected.

Malaysia follow, before Ecuador, back for a second Winter Olympics after a debut four years ago, though with just a single athlete.

Eritrea also made a first entry in Pyeongchang, while Jamaica are perhaps one of the most famous Winter Olympic nations - and are making more history in Beijing.

Greece lead

12:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There are only a small group of Greek athletes in Beijing, five in all, who will all compete in either alpine of cross-country skiing. They wave along with the “William Tell Overture”.

Out after them are Aegean neighbours Turkey, who are yet to win a Winter Olympic medal. Seven athletes are in Beijing with a slim chance of breaking that duck.

Opening Ceremony continues

12:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The stadium floor is now filling by a flowing blue, giving way to a block of false ice to pay tribute to the previous host cities. These are XXIV Olympic Winter Games, 98 years on from the first edition in Chamonix.

The ice “melts”, revealing the Olympic rings which rise to open the entrance for the athletes for the parade of nations.

Chinese national anthem

12:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The flag of China is passed over many hands and marched to the pole by a group of soldiers to be hoisted as the Chinese national anthem plays.

China's pandemic Olympics begins, with lockdown and boycotts

Hello to the dignitaries

12:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Chinese president Xi Jinping and IOC president Thomas Bach are sat, at a safe social distance, alongside one another, both masked and waving to those inside the Bird’s Nest.

Beijing 2022 Opening Ceremony

12:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The long green poles switch to white as the dandelion blooms, with butterflies fluttering by. A chalk outline of a child’s face blows the seeds away, with a flash of white fireworks high above the arena showing their dispersal.

Opening Ceremony begins

12:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Our first in-stadium section of the opening ceremony features great long green reeds being swung in pattern by a set of emerald-clothed participants, which, according to the organisers, shows the first stages in the life-cycle of a dandelion.

Which countries are competing at Beijing 2022?

12:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It won’t be long until Greece, as is customary, begin the parade of nations in Beijing. There are a couple of debut nations among 91 competing Olympic committees - every single on which is listed below:

Which countries are competing in the Winter Olympics 2022? Full list

The Opening Ceremony is here

12:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Right, the preamble is all but over and we are ready for the first flickers of light from a luminous Bird’s Nest, lit in vibrant orange and red, contrasting with the cooler hues of the Ice Cube alongside it.

Beijing 2022 tipped to inspire LGBTQ+ athletes

11:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

LGBTQ+ focussed website Outsports has suggested that there will be at least 35 out competitors at the Winter Olympics, and Stonewall believe that these Games may inspire the next generation of athletes.

Beijing Winter Olympics backed to inspire LGBTQ+ athletes

Spectators inside the Beijing National Stadium

11:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

We haven’t had any official word, but suggestions from inside the Bird’s Nest are that there might be between 10,000 and 15,000 spectators in attendance for the Opening Ceremony.

Why are countries boycotting the Winter Olympics?

11:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The United Kingdom and USA are among nations that are not sending diplomats in China.

The countries boycotting the Winter Olympics - who is involved and why?

Imran Khan is in China

11:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There are a number of countries who have opted to stage diplomatic boycotts of these Winter Olympics, but Pakistan prime minister and former star all-rounder Imran Khan has made the trip to Beijing.

Skeleton star Lizzy Yarnold and former skier Chemmy Alcott kick things off

11:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lizzy Yarnold and Chemmy Alcott are in the BBC studio for the opening ceremony, alongside Clare Balding.

“It really means so much,” Yarnold says of being a double Olympic skeleton champion as her opening remarks. “Seeing the amazing design of the medal in real life really brings people together. For everyone, they know how much [the Winter Olympics] means, and they want to perform at their best.”

“I didn’t go to any opening or closing ceremonies until my last one,” Alcott explains, though Britain’s alpine skiers are at the Bird’s Nest tonight. “It is quite far away from the mountains but this shows what we are going through, that we are all together and the power of sport.”

Settle in - the Opening Ceremony is almost here

11:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Some of those able to attend Beijing National Stadium have begun to take their seats, with final preparations being made for the official opening of proceedings at this quadrennial winter centrepiece.

Beijing Winter Olympics begin under the shadow of human rights criticism

11:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

For all the pomp and circumstance of the next few hours, these are controversial Winter Olympics likely to be held in unsuitable conditions against a backdrop of widespread criticism of human rights abuses.

In Taipei, Wiliam Yang looks at the bigger picture:

Beijing Winter Olympics open under shadow of human rights criticism

Lizzy Yarnold hands over to the class of 2022

11:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Flag bearer and Team GB’s sole gold medallist four years ago, Lizzy Yarnold tees things up for those competing this time around in Beijing.

Nordic combined contender Frenzel tests positive

11:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There are also Covid fears in the German camp, with a fresh round of testing ordered after sixth athletes tested positive earlier this week. Four competitors have now been cleared after subsequent negative tests, but Eric Frenzel and Terence Weber are now isolating.

This is a major blow to their Nordic combined hopes. Frenzel is a six-time Olympic medallist and two-time defending champion.

“Team Germany on Friday afternoon received confirmation of two further COVID-19 cases,” the team said in a statement. “Tests for Eric Frenzel and Terence Weber confirmed their results initially taken at the airport.”

“The four other suspected cases which were in the skeleton and ice hockey teams were not confirmed (positive) following two re-tests.”

Athletes who want to return to competition and training will need to be without symptoms and provide two negative tests 24 hours apart to be released from isolation.

Norway waiting nervously on Krueger’s Covid test

10:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Norway skiing coach Eirik Myhr Nossum has said that his team will do whatever it takes to get Simen Hegstad Krueger back from a positive Covid-19 test in time for the blue ribband 50 km men’s race at the Beijing Games on 19 February.

Speaking to state broadcaster NRK, Nossum revealed that 2018 double Olympic champion Krueger was not feeling any ill effects of Covid and had been cycling in his room to keep fit as he awaits the negative test results that could open the door for an appearance in China.

“I’m very happy with Simen’s results lately. I can reveal that we’re trying to get Simen here ... we got very positive PCR results the last few days, and we’ll get more today, I believe he’ll be here the 11th or 13th of February,” said Nossum.

“We’re going all-in for Simen,” he added.

Krueger took gold in the skiathlon and was part of the victorious men’s relay team at the Pyeongchang Olympics, where he also won silver in the 15 km freestyle.

Come on, Eileen

10:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A potential face of these Games, freestyle skiing star Eileen Gu could feature prominently throughout the Winter Olympics, including tonight.

Here’s what you need to know about an outstanding talent whose switch from the USA to the host nation has not come without criticism:

China’s great Winter Olympics hope is an American

The Opening Ceremony nears

10:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

We aren’t too far away from proceedings getting underway at the Bird’s Nest. Expect colour and creativity during an opening ceremony again directed by Zhang Yimou, who was praised for his work during the 2008 Summer Games.

The opening images promise plenty...

British medal contenders to watch at Beijing 2022

10:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Who should Team GB fans look out for at the 2022 Winter Olympics? Here are five potential medal contenders:

Best Team GB medal hopes for 2022 Winter Olympics

Dave is Ryding high after ‘greatest honour'

10:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“As a British Olympian, it is the greatest honour to be asked to carry our country’s flag,” Dave Ryding adds to his flag-toting partner’s comments. “Many amazing athletes have been chosen to do this role in the past and it goes without saying that it is one of the proudest moments of my career.

“I have always represented Team GB with the greatest of pride and for my fourth Olympics this will make it extra special. I am one of 50 Winter Olympians representing Team GB in Beijing, we are part of an amazing country and I know we will give our upmost to perform to the best of our abilities out here.”

Eve Muirhead ‘incredibly honoured’ to be chosen as Great British flagbearer

10:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An incredibly popular member of Team GB, Eve Muirhead is at fourth Winter Olympics and looking to medal again eight years on from becoming the youngest skip to stand on the podium at an Olympics in curling history.

“I feel incredibly honoured to be chosen as the flagbearer for Team GB,” Muirhead said from the Olympic village yesterday. “Getting to my fourth Games has been one of the greatest challenges of my entire career but my pursuit of qualifying for Beijing has been relentless and this is an immense privilege.

“It is an experience that will mark the start of what I hope will be the most rewarding of Olympic campaigns to date and a memory I know my family and friends will, like me, remember forever.”

Eve Muirhead and Dave Ryding to be Team GB flagbearers

10:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

14 years on from the Opening Ceremony of the Summer Olympics in 2008, we are back at the Bird’s Nest for a rather chillier edition of the traditional pre-Games spectacular. Bearing the British flag on that occasion was Mark Foster’s long limbs, but history will be made today as two Team GB athletes are bestowed the honour at a Winter Olympics for the first time.

Just like at Tokyo 2020, one man and one woman have been selected at flagbearers, and it is hard to quibble with the choices made by a panel headed by Team GB’s Chef de Mission, Georgina Harland. Slalom skier Dave Ryding, fresh from becoming the first British alpine skiing World Cup winner, will be joined by female curling skip Eve Muirhead, at her fourth Games, in carrying the Union Flag around the Beijing National Stadium.

News: Team GB ‘pushing boundaries’ to bring home record medal haul

09:42 , Lawrence Ostlere

British Olympic officials insist they are playing by the rules as they prepare to unveil the top secret hi-tech hacks they hope will score more medals in the mountains.

British Skeleton have been working with performance innovation specialists at the English Institute of Sport to seek the ‘marginal gains’ needed in a sport where fractions matter.

Training started in Yanqing yesterday with furtive and jealous glances from rivals as the wrappers were peeled off new kit.

Skeleton has become Britain’s national winter sport with seven medals at the last five Games, including three golds, and the appliance of science has been at the heart of that success.

“We are 100 per cent playing by the rules all the time,” insisted British Skeleton’s performance director Natalie Dunman.

Full story:

Team GB ‘pushing boundaries’ to bring home record Olympic medal haul

Winter Olympics: Curling results and standings

09:30 , Lawrence Ostlere

Here are the day’s mixed doubles curling results, and standings at the halfway stage. Team GB’s pair of Jennifer Dodds and Bruce Mouat are well-placed to still qualify for the semi-finals, but face a big test against Italy tomorrow.

How do I watch the ceremony on TV in the UK?

09:19 , Lawrence Ostlere

Eurosport and the BBC share coverage of the Winter Olympics on TV in the United Kingdom. BBC Sport will broadcast more than 300 hours of live coverage across BBC One and BBC Two, while extra action will be shown on the BBC iPlayer, Red Button and BBC Sport website.

In addition to extensive TV coverage on Eurosport, every moment from the Winter Olympics will be available to watch live on discovery+.

GB curlers revel in tight win

08:30 , Lawrence Ostlere

Jennifer Dodds after that narrow mixed doubles curling win: “I’m feeling really good, especially after that first half, that was our best performance so far.

“I missed a couple second half, but really proud of how Bruce and I played that game. We got on top of draw weight early which was important in that first half of the game.”

On having won three and lost one after four games

“We’re really happy. If you said at the start of the competition we would have beaten quite a few of the teams you’d expect to be in the play-offs, we definitely would have taken that.”

On playing Czech Republic and Italy tomorrow

“We know we still have tough opponents to come, it’s a big day tomorrow against the Czechs and Italy.

“We know we just need to keep playing our best and it’s going to be tough out there, I think any of the other teams can be fighting for the play-offs right now.”

Bruce Mouat: “The momentum changed quite a bit after their powerplay, we were five up at the time and losing a three is not a disaster, we were obviously trying to force them to two.

“We were inches away from making a lot of things in that end, so it didn’t really phase us that much and then we went on to the next end with high hopes of seeing out the game.”

On Eve Muirhead becoming the second curler after Rhona Martin to carry the flag at the opening ceremony later today

“She’s inspired a lot of people back home and me watching her back in 2010 when she was so young, it inspired me to step up into the men’s game and hopefully do something similar to her.

“I’m absolutely buzzing for her and I really hope she takes in the moment and really soaks it up.

“Unfortunately we won’t be there tonight, but we will definitely be watching her on TV and we are going to dress up in our opening ceremony stuff, so check our Instagram!”

Team GB edge Australia in mixed-doubles curling epic

08:14 , Lawrence Ostlere

Earlier Britain snuck a tight curling victory over Australia, who came very close to their first ever win in the Olympic sport. Australia forced the mixed doubles match to an extra end after coming back from 3-0 down to tie 8-8. But Bruce Mouat cleared the house for GB and Australia’s Tahli Gill overthrew with his final stone as Team GB narrowly avoided defeat, which more than makes up for the Ashes.

07:59 , Lawrence Ostlere

Right now we have figure skating, curling and men’s slalom qualifying all going on.Earlier home favourites Sui Wenjing and Han Cong set a world record score in the figure skating pairs, scoring a stunning 82.83 with their performance set to the orchestral suite from Mission Impossible 2.

“We were still nervous and uneasy when we participated in the Olympics for the first time [at PyeongChang 2018]. Now it’s the Beijing Winter Olympics in my hometown,” Sui told Olympics.com.

“For us, it’s about being our best selves and showing our best selves; show good programs to the world, and hope that more people can fall in love with figure skating and winter sports because of us.”

Games are like IOC’s reward to China for bad behaviour: Rippon

07:35 , Lawrence Ostlere

The selection of Beijing as the 2022 Winter Games host is like the International Olympic Committee rewarding China for bad behaviour on human rights, former US champion figure skater Adam Rippon said.

Rights groups have long criticised the IOC for awarding the Feb. 4-20 Games to China, citing its treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups in the western Xinjiang region, which the United States has deemed genocide.

China has consistently denied allegations of human rights abuses and said it opposes the “politicisation” of sports.

Rippon, who won a bronze medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics and is coaching American Mariah Bell at Beijing, said the IOC needed to “step up” on human rights and exercise more discretion when choosing hosts.

“I think the Chinese are going to put on an amazing Games and I think they are going to make sure everyone is as safe as possible but when it comes to human rights, we’re entering a Communist country,” Rippon told Reuters by phone.

“And I think that when we’re picking Olympic cities this needs to be something that is more regulated by the IOC. This is a position that they’ve put a lot of people in.

“It makes me think of being rewarded for bad behaviour. Always the hope is that (the Olympics) helps better the hosting nation as well, but I do agree that in light of all of the human rights violations in China, it does make you question why were they still allowed to host these Games?”

Team USA maintain top spot in figure skating

07:20 , Namita Singh

China’s Wenjing Sui and Cong Han topped the score board in pair skating’s short program, earning 10 points for their country. They were closely followed by Anastasia Mishina and Aleksandr Galliamov of ROC who scored 82.64 for ROC.

Team USA continued their dominance in figure skating as it secured third spot, earning their country 8 points. Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier scored the highest at 75.00 points, also their personal best short program score in pair skating.

The country remains on top after three of eight segments:

• USA, 28 points

• ROC, 26

• People’s Republic of China, 21

• Japan, 20

• Italy, 18

• Canada, 16

• Georgia, 15

• Czech Republic, 12

• Ukraine, 4

• Germany, 3

Russian president reaches Beijing ahead of the opening ceremony

07:00 , Namita Singh

Russian president Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing ahead of the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games.

His visit comes amid the growing Chinese support for Moscow amid the dispute with Ukraine that is threatening to break out into armed conflict.

Mr Putin held talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping upon arrival, reported the Associated Press.

Three men’s hockey player of Team USA test positive for Covid

06:49 , Namita Singh

Two top defenseman and a veteran forward of the Team USA men’s hockey team have tested positive for Covid. These include Jake Sanderson and Steven Kampfer, and forward Andy Miele.

While Sanderson remains in Los Angeles, the other two are isolating in the Olympic Village in Beijing.

Eighty per cent of Team USA athletes will attend Beijing opening ceremony

06:40 , Namita Singh

Around 80 per cent of the athletes of Team USA will attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, said team chief Rick Adams.

“In terms of the opening ceremony, it may even be a record, we have 80% of our athletes walking tonight,” he told a news conference ahead of the event.

ROC’s scores dominating win against Switzerland in ice hockey

06:32 , Namita Singh

Switzerland saw another stunning defeat in women’s ice hockey as they lost to ROC by 5-2 in the group A match. Earlier on Thursday, they had taken a 12-1 thrashing from Canada.

China claim first win in ice hockey

06:24 , Namita Singh

Though Denmark began with a 1-0 lead against the host, they failed to build on it as China claimed their first win in the women’s ice hockey beating the rivals 1-3 in group B.

Madison Hubbell reacts her rhythm skating performance

05:55 , Namita Singh

Madison Hubbell of Team USA says that she was feeling “calm” before the rhythm skating.

“This morning I was feeling so calm, [but I was nervous to] fall into that trap of being so comfortable that you just go overboard. We’ve been going 100 percent full out in practice. I was feeling very calm even in the locker room, and then all of a sudden the heartbeat was going,” said Hubbell who topped the rhythm skating with her partner Zachary Donohue.

“Backstage, I could feel Zach’s heart too, and we took some maybe extra deep breaths knowing that we had Team USA to show up for. But I think we skate our best when we know something’s on the line and when we feel like we’re not only doing it for ourselves, but for other people.”

Team USA tops the chart after two segments of figure skating

05:22 , Namita Singh

After the completion of two of eight segments of figure skating, Team USA tops the chart with 20 points.

• USA, 20 points

• ROC, 17

• Italy, 14

• Japan, 13

• People’s Republic of China, 11

• Georgia, 10

• Canada, 10

• Czech Republic, 9

• Germany, 3

• Ukraine, 2

Team USA tops rhythm dance

05:19 , Namita Singh

After men’s short, Team USA tops the chart in the ice dance rhythm dance as well with Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue setting a new personal best score of 86.56 for the country beating the previous best of 2021 World Championships.

ROC’s Victoria Sinitsina and Nikita Katsalapov were placed at the number two spot in the second segment of the Olympic figure skating.

Italy secured third place with 83.83 points.

Nations with ‘appalling human rights stance’ should not host Games, says Kenworthy

04:47 , Namita Singh

British freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy has urged the International Olympic Committee (IOC) not to allow countries that have “appalling human rights stances” to host the Games as he questioned China’s suitability to host the Winter Olympics.

“I don’t think any country should be allowed to host the Games if they have appalling human rights stances,” Kenworthy told the BBC.

“The IOC should take a stance against a lot of these atrocities and stand up for important issues and by not granting those countries the right to host the Games, they could create positive change... maybe not even letting them compete.

“But it’s all about money, it seems like... I don’t really think they’re well suited to host the Games.”

Women’s ice hockey matches underway

04:38 , Namita Singh

Two ice hockey matches from the women’s competition are underway.

While ROC is taking on Switzerland in group A, the hosts are facing Denmark in Group B.

Switzerland, which is looking to bounce back after a stunning defeat 12-1 from Canada yesterday, is trailing 1-0 in the match. Denmark is leading the game against China with 1-0.

Chen ‘happy’ with his performance in men’s short

04:19 , Namita Singh

Nathan Chen of Team USA says his goal is to “enjoy” the experience, reacting after setting the new personal best score in team men’s short.

“I’m happy with the way that it went today. And overall, my goal is just to enjoy this experience as much as I can. I already feel so honoured just to be able to be here at a second Olympics,” he said.

Uno Shoma of Japan who also set his personal best said he “wasn’t out to do anything extra special because it’s the Olympics”. I wanted to duplicate what I’ve been working on in practice, no more no less. I’m obviously happy to be here but I’m sticking to the plan - and I think I can build on this.

“These Games, I feel really at ease. I was calm before the skate so I’m pleased with my mindset.

“As I’ve said before, there aren’t too many competitions bigger than the [Japanese] nationals and this is one of them. The intense atmosphere, you can’t beat this.”

Nathan Chen records new personal best in Men Single Skating

03:31 , Namita Singh

Nathan Chen of Team USA set a new personal record of 111.71 as he topped the chart in men’s single skating. He beat his 2019-20 Grand Prix final score of 110.38, while missing Japan’s Hanyu Yuzuru’s world record score by a tenth or so.

He was followed by Japan’s Shomu Uno, who scored 105.46 and Russian Olympic Committee’s Mark Kondratiuk securing third place with a distant 95.81 points.

So, the standings after one segment in the team event:

Team USA 10 points, Japan 9, ROC 8, Georgia 7, Italy 6, China 5, Czech Republic 4, Canada 3, Germany 2, Ukraine 0

Strong wind delays men’s ski training session

03:10 , Namita Singh

Strong winds delayed the second downhill ski training session of men on Thursday. While the session had been scheduled to start at 11 am Beijing, the organizers will decide on when it can start in the afternoon.

The world’s best skiers only got the chance to see the Rock course up close for the first time on Thursday. There is a third training session scheduled for Saturday before the men’s downhill opens the Alpine competition the following day.

Here is how opening ceremony rehearsals looked

03:02 , Graeme Massie

Fireworks were released over the iconic Bird’s Nest stadium in Beijing on Sunday 30 January during a rehearsal for Friday’s opening ceremony.

Who isn’t attending Beijing Olympics opening ceremony

02:54 , Namita Singh

The US, Britain, Australia, Canada and India are not sending the dignitaries to Beijing Winter Games as a part of a diplomatic boycott.

Elaborating on the reason behind the boycott, Canada’s Prime Minister said: “We are extremely concerned by the repeated human rights violations by the Chinese government.”

India has decided to stay away from the event following reports that a Chinese military commander who was involved in deadly clashes with Indian border forces in 2020 had been chosen as one of the Olympic torchbearers in Beijing.

Kosovo and Lithuania, whose relations with China have nosedived over their ties with Taiwan, are also taking part in the boycott.

India joins diplomatic boycott after China soldier takes part in Olympics torch relay

Six German athletes test positive for Covid

02:43 , Namita Singh

Six German athletes tested positive on Thursday after arriving in Beijing on Thursday, taking the total Covid-19 cases in the team to seven.

”Three teams of Team D (Germany) are affected,” the Germany team said in a statement on Friday, without naming the people or sports teams affected.

“The team members are without symptoms and have been initially separated from the rest of the squad. There will be further PCR tests to confirm the results. The process from here on will be decided by the results.”

The other 78 athletes arriving on the same flight have tested negative.

Canada record a win against Switzerland in mixed doubles curling

02:37 , Namita Singh

Canada’s Rachel Homan and John Morris recorded a 7–5 win over Switzerland’s Jenny Perret and Martin Rios in the mixed doubles curling. The team began with a 4-1 lead against Switzerland with the latter bouncing back to reduce the winning margin but ultimately, the hat-tipped in the favour of the Canadians.

Italy beat Norway in mixed doubles curling

02:26 , Namita Singh

Italy continues with its winning streak on Friday scoring an 11-8 victory over Norway in the mixed doubles curling.

Australia falls to Sweden in mixed doubles curling

02:24 , Namita Singh

Sweden beat Australia by 7-6 in the mixed doubles curling event held at the National Aquatics Centre, with the latter falling to a 0-3 record at the Games.

Here is a look back at opening ceremony in PyeongChang in 2018

02:00 , Graeme Massie

The 2018 Winter Olympic Games were formally opened at PyeongChang Olympic Stadium on 9 February, 2018 in Pyeongchang-gun, South Korea.

White House lights up for Team USA

01:48 , Graeme Massie

The North Portico of the White House is illuminated red, white and blue to honor athletes representing the United States at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics on Thursday night in Washington DC.

US hockey star Brianna Decker out of Winter Olympics after suffering serious leg injury

00:59 , Graeme Massie

US hockey star Brianna Decker is out of the Winter Olympics after suffering a serious leg injury in her first game in Beijing.

Decker, 30, was stretchered off the ice after a collision with Finland’s Ronja Savolainen during the preliminary round women’s hockey game.

Now USA Hockey says that the forward, one of the world’s best players, will miss the rest of the competition.

US hockey star Brianna Decker out of Winter Olympics after suffering leg injury