hankyoreh

Thomas Bach

The Pyeongchang Winter Olympics taking place on Feb. 9–25, 2018, have suffered a major blow with Russia’s ban for doping. Already reeling from the National Hockey League’s (NHL) announcement that it would not be competing, the games stand to suffer even more in terms of viewership and substance if winter sports superpower Russia boycotts and refuses to allow qualifying athletes to compete as individuals.

“The best thing would be to have the Russian team participating and carrying the flag, but we don’t have the power to oppose the IOC’s decision,” said Pyeongchang organizing Committee president Lee Hee-beom on Dec. 6. For now, the committee can only sit and watch what Russia does next.

Russia is traditionally a major force in the Winter Games. The New York Times reported the same day that Russia had athletes capable of medaling in 32 events, or roughly one-third of the 102 events in next year’s games. It was considered a leading candidate for gold in four events: women’s single figure skating, the men’s biathlon relay, and the men’s team sprint freestyle and skiathlon in cross-country skiing. It was also expected to medal in most cross-country events and men’s ice hockey. At the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Russia took 33 medals, including 13 gold.

If Russia does boycott, fans will miss out on its athlete’s outstanding capabilities. Interest in the games is also likely to decline not only in Russia, but also in former Eastern Bloc countries.

“The Russian ice hockey team reserved 30 to 40 hotel rooms in Gangneung and purchased a large number of tickets,” a Korea Ice Hockey Association source said.

“If Russia does boycott, that will impact our ability to draw audiences,” the source fretted.

By Kim Chang-keum, staff reporter

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