China’s athletes Dinigeer Yilamujian and Zhao Jiawen prepare to light the Olympic Cauldron during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Snowflakes and sportsmanship abound early Friday in the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics. China chose two athletes — skiers Dinigeer Yilamujiang and Zhao Jiawen — to bear the torch, light the cauldron and launch the competition.
Beijing’s selection of Yilamujiang, who is reportedly of Uyghur heritage, stirred the conversational pot on social media. Associated Press reported human rights abuses against that Muslim population in the western region cast a shadow over the games.
Curling and women’s hockey matches were underway before the official ceremony, from which you can watch Team USA’s entrance here. Scroll down to see more photos from the stunning exhibition.
Skaters perform during the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022. (Elsa/Getty Images)Chinese President Xi Jinping waves during the opening ceremony. (Jae C. Hong/Associated Press)Performers wave light sticks during the ceremony. (Bernat Armangue/Associated Press)The Chinese national flag is raised during the ceremony. (Natacha Pisarenko/Associated Press)Fireworks illuminate the Beijing skyline during the opening ceremony. (Lu Ye/Pool via Getty Images)Chinese athletes Dinigeer Yilamujian and Zhao Jiawen prepare to light the cauldron. (Petr David Josek/Associated Press)A dancer performs during the pre-show ahead of the opening ceremony. (Matt Slocum/Associated Press)Performers Qiao Yanzhen, left, and Liu Jingyun visit the Winter Olympics Culture Plaza in the western district of Shijingshan in Beijing on Friday. “I’m very excited,” said Liu, who was part of a group of performers at a kickoff celebration. “I hope that that our athletes perform well, and together show the world our future.” (Sam McNeil/Associated Press)A torchbearer transfers flame to another during the opening ceremony. (Anthony Wallace/Pool via Associated Press)Dancers perform in the pre-show ahead of the opening ceremony. (David J. Phillip/Associated Press)Brittany Bowe and John Shuster lead Team USA during the opening ceremony. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
A projection display is part of the opening ceremony. (Elsa/Getty Images)Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the opening ceremony. (Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press)Nathan Crumpton, of American Samoa, carries his flag into the stadium during the opening ceremony. (Jae C. Hong/Associated Press)Spectators watch the pre-show ahead of the opening ceremony. (Jae C. Hong/Associated Press)
Actors perform during the opening ceremony. (Ashley Landis/Associated Press)
