Athletes slam winter olympic organisers

There is growing frustration being directed at the organisers of Beijing’s Winter Olympic Games by attending athletes

The Winter Games began just four days ago, with a promise it would be a streamlined, safe and splendid event.

But athletes are complaining of freezing conditions and the overuse of quarantine rules and Covid-safe requirements.

Many participants say they are being forced to live and train in sub-par conditions, lobbying organisers for immediate improvements.

Sweden was calling for cross-country skiing events to be held earlier, after an athlete was seen shaking and close to collapse at the end of her women’s skiathlon.

Under international rules, competitions are not allowed to take place when temperatures fall below -20 degrees.

This comes as a handful of Covid-19 cases have been detected at the Games, with frustration also growing over the confusion surrounding Covid isolation rules.