Team GB bosses have set their sights on their biggest trophy of medals from the Winter Olympics in Beijing next month, reiterating their support for British athletes who want to protest against human rights abuses in China.
With just over three weeks to go until the Games begin, the British Olympic Association and UK Sport are aiming for between three and seven medals, a tally that could see the team break the record of five set in Sochi in 2014 and equaled in Pyeongchang in 2014. 2018..
While admitting that the Olympics in China will be “extraordinarily challenging” due to a variety of factors, including covid and human rights, UK Sport CEO Sally Munday said Team GB was determined to become “an even greater force in winter.” Sports”.
“Our intelligence tells us that British athletes have the potential to win between three and seven medals at the Olympic Games and between five and nine medals at the Paralympic Games,” he added. “We have a young, dynamic and motivated team with real potential to excite and inspire audiences.”
About 50 athletes are expected to be selected for the Winter Olympics, and the BOA also confirms that all will be vaccinated. Those competing for the medals will include snowboarder Charlotte Bankes, the three curling teams and the men’s two- and four-man bobsleigh.
Andy Anson, the BOA executive director, confirmed that officials would support British athletes who wanted to use the Games to take a position on human rights abuses or to raise awareness about the Peng Shuai case, though he urged them to alert to officials in advance.
He said: “We have told athletes all the time that we are very happy for them to speak up, but to be sensible and ideally to reach out to those if they feel like they are doing something controversial.
“We are not the ones who are going to prevent our athletes from expressing opinions. But equally, we are the ones who are going to give them sensible guidance on local laws and what is expected locally so that they do not face difficult situations. So it’s a good balance. “
Fast guide
How do I subscribe to breaking sports news alerts?
Show
- Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhones or the Google Play store on Android phones by searching for ‘The Guardian’.
- If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you have the latest version.
- In the Guardian app, tap the yellow button at the bottom right, then go to Settings (the gear icon) and then Notifications.
- Activate sports notifications.
Anson also indicated that he expected fans to attend the Winter Olympics, something that Chinese organizers have yet to confirm despite the Games starting on February 4.
“I am very happy for the athletes that there will be spectators in China,” he said. “I think that will add a dimension beyond what we had in Tokyo that will make the Games exciting. I am fortunate, with Manchester United and as CEO of the ATP Tennis Tour, to have been to live events in China and to see the enthusiasm of the Chinese fans, so it is positive for the Games. “
www.theguardian.com
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism