Every two years, the Olympics become the most anticipated event of the year, but this year, they look a little different. 

Last year, the summer Olympics were held in Tokyo, but seeing as COVID-19 hit in 2020, when the Summer Olympics were supposed to be held, the event was postponed until the summer of 2021, making it so the summer and winter Olympics are less than a year apart. 

The 2022 Winter Olympics are set to take place in Beijing, China. Since COVID-19 cases are still booming, and there are multiple new variants, China and the Olympic committee must take numerous precautions in order to keep the public and the athletes safe. 

China has been in total lockdown for a while now, prepping for the Olympics. The country has had strict travel rules so that the public is not contaminated, in fear of cancellation. 

Many of the athletes competing in the 2022 Winter Olympics have trained their whole lives for this moment and it would be an absolute travesty if the games were to be canceled. Athletes from all countries are recommended to take extra precautions these next few weeks, in preparation for the upcoming games. 

Some major league sports teams have even banned their athletes from competing because of the strict isolation rules. The National Hockey league (NHL) has banned players on their teams from competing in the Olympics completely, despite which country they are going to represent. 

There has been a lot of negative feedback from fans on whether or not the quarantine procedure and all of the precautions are necessary, but athletes have no problem taking a few extra precautions as they have been waiting for the chance to participate in the event for most, if not all of their lives. 

The 2022 Winter Olympics consist of 15 events: alpine skiing, biathlon, bobsledding, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, freestyle skiing, ice hockey, luge, nordic combined, short track speed skating, skeleton, ski jumping, snowboarding, and speed skating. 

The open ceremony takes place on Friday, Feb. 4, followed by a full week of rigorous events, each with high stakes. 

The games end Sunday, Feb. 20, with the closing ceremony taking place in the evening after all of the medals and awards are presented. 

The past three Olympic games, have taken place in East Asia, but the next Summer Olympics are set to take place in Paris, France, in 2024. 

Since there has been such a short gap between the last Olympics and this one, sports fans all over the world are exhilarated as they get to watch both the Winter, and the Summer Olympics in the span of seven months. 

Although there are no spectators allowed at the upcoming games, friends and families of the athletes will still be able to have an interactive experience with their athletes as the Olympic committee is working to find ways to allow athletes to contact their families back home after a win. 

Even with all of the precautions and limitations, athletes and fans are more than excited to be able to take part in the unique experience of either participating in or watching the games. Overall, the 2022 Winter Olympics is set to be one to remember.