A key advantage of Beijing's bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics is already having a lot of the necessary facilities in place, because after previously staging the 2008 Summer Games, the city wouldn't need to add much more in terms of competition venues and training sites, to stage a successful Winter Olympics.
And organizers involved with the Summer Games seven years ago say the Chinese capital clearly has the foundation to be a successful host.
Frugality and sustainability have been key buzzwords since Beijing announced its intentions to bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics, and during last year's Sochi Games, the Chinese capital expressed confidence in being able to host a more cost-effective snow and ice spectacle, even though selecting the city would mean awarding back-to-back Olympiads to the East Asia Region.
"We plan to use 12 competition venues in the 2022 Winter Olympics. There are three to be built, and the others will be renovated to satisfy the usage requirements. The venues that need to be built will be used not only during the Olympics, but also after the Games," said Yang Xiaochao, former Beijing vice mayor.
If Beijing's bid is successful, the iconic Bird's Nest National Stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies, with other existing facilities also being put to use.
"We won't build new venues if we can use the old ones. If we do build new facilities, they would only be temporary, and their only requirement will be to simply meet standards. They don't need to be very sophisticated or luxurious," said Jiang Xiaoyu, BOCDA deputy direction.
A number of the ice sports would take place at the Water Cube, which hosted swimming during the 2008 Summer Olympics. Other stadiums would need to undergo a few renovations, and a pair of new basic-design venues would have to be built for speed skating and training activities.
"The venues for the Winter Olympics won't became landmarks. The aim is really to meet the needs of the Games. If they can meet these needs, and at the same time be unique and low-cost, that would be ideal," Jiang said.
Seven years ago, China staged what would become one of the most memorable Summer Olympics in history, as the 2008 Beijing Games have left a far-reaching legacy for the rest of the world, and this could prove to be a unique advantage when the IOC makes its decision on 2022.
