Now it's time for the Winter Olympics in Beijing when a record-breaking Australian squad will attempt to set a new national record for most medals won.

The Winter Olympics, now in their 24th edition, are taking place against a backdrop of controversy, ranging from a diplomatic boycott that includes Australia to serious concerns over the virtually exclusive use of artificial snow.

THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM Like:

With 43 people, Australia's Olympic team is the third-largest ever at the Winter Olympics. In the 2022 Olympics, 22 women and 21 men are participating. It's also the most powerful female representation Australia has ever had at a Winter Games so chances to win are also high.

With numerous medal opportunities in 2022 alone, there are high hopes that this will be Australia's best-ever team.

Another withdrawal is possible after a member of the Australian Olympic team tested positive for Covid-19 upon arrival in Beijing. Their identity, as well as the results of a second PCR test, has yet to be revealed. Tahli Gill and Dean Hewitt will form Australia's first-ever curling team since curling was added to the Olympics in 1988.

After winning all seven of their qualifying matches in December, they will compete in the mixed doubles. Gill and Hewitt are ranked 14th in the world and will need to build on their qualifying performance in order to compete for a medal.

How will Australia Perform?

Australia finished 23rd in the medal table at PyeongChang last year, with two silver and one bronze medal. That accurately reflects the position in the winter sports world but this year could be the best ever, with multiple medal contenders.

In 1936, in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, Australia competed in its first Winter Olympics but it took until 1994 to claim the first medal.

With an equitable distribution of five gold, five silver, and five bronze medals in the last seven Winter Olympics, the total presently stands at 15 medals.

Published on: March 03, 2022