The 2022 Olympics begin this week under the shadow of COVID and Beijing's flagrant abuses of human rights. Under ruler-for-life Xi Jinping, who took power in 2012, China has made a sharp turn into unapologetic authoritarianism, with no dissent or forbidden ideas permitted. So why are the 2022 Olympics being held here?
volunteers wave flags during a medal ceremony on February 7
Marco Bertorello/AFP/Getty Images
China was originally one of many contenders to host the 2022 Games, but Poland, Ukraine, and Sweden dropped out because of domestic opposition. Norway's bid collapsed over public outrage at the International Olympic Committee's demands for luxury treatment, such as special lanes on all roads for IOC members.
Winter Olympics 2022 | NBC Sports
