The search for gold continues at the 2022 Beijing Olympics as the disappointments seem to have outnumbered the successes so far for Team USA.
(Looking for a recap of Monday's events? We've got you covered.)
The men's individual figure skating competition begins Tuesday, but one of the American medal contenders won't be on the ice. After helping the U.S. win silver in the team event on Monday, Vincent Zhou tested positive for coronavirus and is out of the men's competition. Five-time national champion Nathan Chen will be the USA's best hope for a medal.
The most dominant performances of the Games to date for Team USA have been in women's hockey. A highly anticipated showdown with Canada has finally arrived with both teams sporting 3-0 records in the opening round.
In addition, gold medals will be awarded on Tuesday in Alpine skiing with the men's Super-G and in women's freestyle skiing with the Big Air final.
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COVID, quarantine make life difficult in Olympic Village
BEIJING – Athletes are speaking out about the conditions they faced or observed in quarantine hotels in China used by athletes who test positive while at the 2022 Winter Olympics. They described "inedible meals," little or no access to training equipment and a confusing and at times seemingly illogical COVID-19 testing regime.
Short track speedskater Natalia Maliszewska of Poland tested positive for coronavirus on Jan. 30, when she was ruled out of Saturday's qualifying race for the 500 meters, her strongest event. But Maliszewska was unexpectedly released from isolation on the eve of the race, only to test positive a few hours before it started and was immediately ushered back into quarantine. The next day – Sunday, the day after the qualifying event – she was released after again testing negative.
"My heart can't take it," Maliszewska wrote in an Instagram post.
Russian biathlete Valeria Vasnetsova used Instagram to complain about the food she received in her quarantine facility. On Feb. 3 she posted an image of what she claimed was "breakfast, lunch and dinner for five days already." The photo consisted of some plain pasta, charred meat, an orange-looking sauce and no apparent vegetables.
-- Kim Hjelmgaard
'This rivalry is like no other:' USA, Canada meet again in women's hockey
The United States and Canada have played each other for Olympic gold in women's hockey five times (out of six tournaments), with the Americans winning in a shootout four years ago in Pyeongchang.
"I think both groups like to play each other because it brings out the best in them, and at the same time, they don’t like each other. I think that’s OK," U.S. coach Joel Johnson said. "I think that’s what makes a great rivalry. When I watch them play, it’s exciting. I wish I could have experienced that as an athlete myself. Now it’s fun to be a part of."
Both teams are sporting 3-0 records in opening-round play heading into Tuesday's clash. Although the only thing on the line is seeding in the next round, expect both teams to play like a gold medal is at stake.
"This rivalry is like no other," U.S. defender Savannah Harmon said. "I think there’s a lot of pride on the line each night. We definitely take advantage of every game we get to play against them and I think that shows on both sides."
-- Chris Bumbaca
After positive COVID test, Vincent Zhou out of men's figure skating competition
U.S. figure skater Vincent Zhou said in an Instagram post on Monday he has to withdraw from the individual event after testing positive for COVID-19.
In a five-minute video, an emotional Zhou said he tested positive as part of a routine COVID screening and then got additional testing. He said it was "pretty unreal that of all the people, it would happen to myself,"
Zhou was expected to compete in the individual competition, starting with the men's short program. He will not be replaced in the men’s individual event.
'HE DESERVES TO BE UP THERE:' Zhou misses medal ceremony, celebration
Big Air venue getting big props from competitors
BEIJING – There’s no great need or demand for permanent venues to host a sport as niche as Big Air, but the Chinese went ahead and did it anyway. It is a towering, dramatic structure rising above a former industrial park where they used to mill steel, flanked by cooling towers that evoke images of nuclear winters moreso than the Winter Olympics.
And yet it might just be the best idea the Chinese have had at these Beijing Games.
“It’s amazing, the facility is crazy,” said Norway’s Birk Ruud, who posted the best qualifying score in the men’s competition.
“It’s definitely cool being in a stadium vibe,” said Darian Stevens, the only American who made the women’s final. “That’s not typically a thing.”
-- Dan Wolken
