Beijing is now a possible front-runner in the bidding to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, after the city's government impressed World Curling Federation (WCF) President Kate Caithness with its offer of first-class service throughout the games.
Caithness believes that China's displayed capability in hosting the successful 2008 Summer Olympics made a huge impact on the International Olympic Committee (IOC). As president of the WCF, she has significant influence in choosing the host country for the upcoming Winter Olympics in 2022.
Together with her colleagues, Caithness visited Beijing from Oct. 11 to 13 to inspect China's National Aquatics Center called Water Cube, a prospective venue for the next curling event. The WCF president noted that turning the swimming pool into a curling arena is a brilliant idea.
Caithness also stressed that the streets in Beijing are now barrier-free and routes for handicapped people are planned for easier access. There are also many available stadiums in the city for the games' venues and only a few additions will be constructed.
With the recent withdrawal of Oslo, Norway, from the bid due to political and local opposition, Asia is now confirmed to host the Winter Olympics. Beijing is only contending with Almaty, Kazakhstan for the privilege.
Kazakhstan hosted the 2011 Asian Winter Games as prelude preparation for the bidding for the 2022 Winter Olympics.
If Beijing is chosen, it will be the first city in history to have hosted both the Summer and Winter Olympics.
The IOC is expected to announce the host city at the 127th IOC session on July 31, 2015, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.