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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Benjamin Lynch

Beijing Winter Olympics 2022: Start date, time and how to watch it live in the UK

The pinnacle of winter sporting is taking place in China's capital, Beijing.

From bobsleigh to snowboarding and short track speed skating to curling, the Winter Olympic festival in Beijing is sure to serve up some memorable moments once again.

British medal hopes Ross Mouat and Jen Dodds are already off to a flyer in the curling and there will be plenty more Brits going for gold over the coming days.

"Together for a shared future" is the motto of the games, highlighting recent challenges faced by humanity such as Covid and global warming. Despite this, the games and Chinese government have faced criticism following the genocide of Uighur Muslims in the Chinese province of Xinjiang.

Nonetheless, GB will still compete, and it should prove to be an interesting games full of flare and dramatic moments.

So here is everything you need to know.

When is the Winter Olympics 2022?

The games officially kicks off on Friday (PA)

The Beijing Winter Olympics opening ceremony will take place on Friday, February 4 2022.

Part of the games have already started, as some matches in the curling competition have taken place, while training for the men's luge began on Wednesday.

Freestyle skiiing, ice hockey and ski jumping all joined the mix of sports on the show so far, but the games have not officially opened just yet.

How can I watch the opening ceremony?

Remember the Beijing's stunning opening ceremony in 2008? Well, the Oscar-nominated cinematographer Zhang Yimou will be directing China's latest chance to show itself off to the watching world.

It should make for a memorable occasion for viewers watching at home, as well as the 50 British athletes that have made the approximate 5,000 mile trip to Beijing.

People can watch the ceremony at 12pm on February 4 on BBC One. Alternatively, a Eurosport subscription costs £6.99 a month.

How can I watch the Winter Olympics?

The BBC has people covered for over the coming weeks and Brits can tune into the BBC's TV channels, BBC Red Button and online via BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, Player and the BBC Sport Website and app.

The Brits to watch

Laura Deas will have high hopes of a medal once again (AFP)

Returning medallists Laura Deas, Eve Muirhead and Izzy Atkin will be competing in the skeleton, curling and freestyle skiing respectively.

Deas begins her first run down the perilous track from around 1:30 am on Friday, February 11, and will be hoping to better her bronze from 2018, an event won by fellow Brit Lizzy Yarnold.

Other medal hopes are pinned on world mixed doubles curling champions Jen Dodds and Ross Mouat.

GB's Kathryn Thomson will line up in the women's short track speed skating at 11:44am on Wednesday, February 9.

Niall Treacy will feature in the Men's 1000m heats from February 5 at 11am, alongside his brother Farrell, who will also take part in the men's 1500m at the same time on Wednesday, February 9.

Brits will also be seen in the cross-country's men's skiathlon, alpine skiing and figure skating, among many others.

A full list of British athletes competing can be seen on the Team GB website here.

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