
Stephen Wade
Latest from Stephen Wade

Russian invasion upends Olympic 'neutrality' — if it existed
The International Olympic Committee has always been political, from the sheikhs and royals in its membership to a seat at the United Nations to pushing for peace talks between the Koreas. But Russia's invasion of Ukraine three weeks ago exposed its irreconcilable claims of "political neutrality."
Olympics |

Russian, Belarusian athletes banned from Beijing Paralympics in stunning reversal
Russian and Belarusian athletes have been banned from the Winter Paralympic Games for their countries' roles in the war in Ukraine, the International Paralympic Committee said Thursday in Beijing.
Paralympics |

IPC says Russians, Belarusians will compete as 'neutral athletes' at Beijing Paralympics
Russians and Belarusians at the Winter Paralympics in Beijing will compete as "neutral athletes" because of their countries' roles in the war against Ukraine, the International Paralympic Committee said Wednesday.
Paralympics |

Organizers defend China's stance on Uyghers, Taiwan as Beijing Olympics get political
China's stance on questions about its politics and policies has been straightforward: It's the Olympics, and we're not talking about these things. That changed Thursday at the Beijing organizing committee's last regularly scheduled daily news conference.
Olympics -Winter Sports |

Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai's absence remains top of mind amid Beijing Olympics
Peng Shuai's accusations of sexual assault against former vice premier Zhang Gaoli, once a member of the all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee, were scrubbed almost immediately from the internet in China when they appeared three months ago.
Olympics -Winter Sports |

Human rights issues remain at forefront of Beijing Olympics
The 2022 Winter Olympics open Friday under heavy security and warnings from officials that athletes or others could face legal action if they speak out on human rights or other touchy issues.
Olympics -Winter Sports |

Organizers say Tokyo Olympics cost $1.8B US less than expected
The Tokyo Olympics cost $1.8 billion US less than anticipated, local organizers said Wednesday, 4 1/2 months after the Games ended.
Olympics |

As Beijing Olympics open, Uyghur groups set to take rights case to court in Argentina
China's treatment of its Uyghur minority could come before the courts in Argentina at about the same time that the Winter Olympics open on Feb. 4 in Beijing.
Olympics |

Explainer: Why does Beijing have the Olympics again?
How did Beijing land the Winter Olympics so soon after it was host to the Summer Olympics in 2008? It will become the first city in Olympic history to host both the Winter and Summer Games.
Olympics |

WTA's stand for Peng Shuai is unique, but doubts remain about others following suit
WTA President and CEO Steve Simon did not set out to lead the way for how sports should confront China when he announced that the women's tennis tour would suspend tournaments there because of concerns about former Grand Slam doubles champion Peng Shuai's well-being.
Tennis |