It’s been an enthralling first week of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, and we’re pumped to see some of our own competing on the world stage.
The United States team sent 223 athletes to Beijing hailing from 31 states. California is the most represented with 29 athletes competing, four of whom are from the Bay Area. We’re also excited to see that there are two other locals competing, but representing China. For being the ‘sunny state,’ we sure know how to shred in some snowy weather.
What’s the update with our Bay Area Olympians?
🎿 Nina O’Brien | Alpine Skiing
San Francisco’s Nina O’Brien entered her first Olympic games following an outstanding 2020-21 season, where she ranked in the top 10 in the giant slalom at the Fall 2021 World Championships. Unfortunately, she had a large crash during her event on Monday and badly broke her leg. We are wishing you a speedy recovery, Nina. 💔
🥈 Vincent Zhou | Figure Skating
This San Jose-born skater became the first skater to land a quadruple Lutz jump at the 2018 Olympics. This year he impressed again, helping the US skating team grab their first silver medal of the games. Unfortunately though, Vincent announced Monday that he will be withdrawing from the individual competition due to a positive COVID test. We know you’ll stunt in 2026, Vincent.
🏒 Rachel Llanes | Ice Hockey
This ice hockey star went from playing in the streets of San Jose to representing China’s Olympic hockey team on the world stage. Last Friday she scored the game’s final goal, beating competitor Denmark 3-1 + helping China clinch its first Olympic hockey victory since 2010.
🥇 Eileen Gu | Freestyle Skiing
This San Franciscan is a stunner. Born to an American father and Chinese-born mother, Eileen Gu made the decision to represent China in this year’s games. On Monday, this 18-year-old, first-time Olympian made history, becoming the youngest freestyle skiing gold medalist in Olympics history.
🥈 Karen Chen | Figure Skating
This Fremont native is skating in her second Olympic games, with an already impressive performance on Monday that helped Team USA secure a silver medal. Leading up to her first Olympic debut in the 2018 PyeongChang games, she had been mentored by hometown hero, Olympic gold-medalist Kristi Yamaguchi. Talk about a superstar trainer.
⛸️ Alysa Liu | Figure Skating
As well as being the youngest woman to win a US National senior title at 13 years old, this now-16-year-old Richmond native is competing in her first Olympic games. Her impressive performance at the 2021 ISU Challenger Series gained her the third spot on the U.S. Women’s Figure Skating team. Catch her first event, the women’s single skating short program, at 2 p.m. on Tues., Feb. 15.
ProTip: Check out the daily schedule for upcoming events + past results.