The Olympic flame for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games on display in Beijing's Olympic Tower on Oct 20, 2021. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

BEIJING - Participants of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games had a unique experience celebrating the Chinese New Year during their Olympic trip, during which they felt safe.

Leon de Kort, a Dutch journalist, was happy to experience China's New Year celebration during his coverage of the Games.

Leon de Kort, a Dutch journalist, was happy to experience China's New Year celebration during his coverage of the Games

"It is a great thing. Chinese people will celebrate the Chinese New Year while focusing on Beijing 2022. It is good for the popularity of winter sports," De Kort said, noting that he feels lucky to have the chance to witness the Dutchmen notch a dozen of medals as the Games will kick off Friday, without any delay from the pandemic.

As the inventor of speed skating, the Netherlands is one of the powerhouses on ice. "I really like the atmosphere here, and the ice rink, in my opinion, is the most beautiful rink in the world," said reigning men's 1,500m champion Thomas Krol, after stepping on the ice of the National Speed Skating Oval.

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"If there is one country who could organize this Winter Olympics, I think it should be China. I think we all should be happy that it is being held here, because all other countries will have a lot more difficulties," Krol said.

"Because if you look at the past two years, China has one of the best anti-COVID measures," he added.

For American curler Vicky Persinge, though it is a pity that her parents cannot come and enjoy the moment with her due to the pandemic, she still gives credit to the necessary protocols.

"We feel super safe here, and I am super grateful that the Games can still happen," Persinge said.

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Her compatriot Chris Plys echoed these feelings. "As much as it's not super fun, it's nice to have all the testing so we can feel safe during the days in the Village," he wrote on Twitter.

"We've been taken really good care of the whole time since we came here. It's just been a lot of fun, and we kind of enjoy the moments here," the 34-year-old curler said. "It's been a cool thing to live with other teams in the Village. You can make new friends and hear people's stories and experiences."

And for America's Jonny Gustafson, who will make his Olympic debut in the sport of luge, qualifying for Beijing 2022 is like a dream come true.

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"It's incredible going through this for the first time. Everyone here has been so welcoming, especially the volunteers. It's such a cool experience and I'll never forget it," Gustafson said.