🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 104 (from laksa055)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa104.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/the-beijing-winter-olympics-180979518/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/the-beijing-winter-olympics-180979518/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/travel\/the-beijing-winter-olympics-180979518\/","crawl_time":1776067017,"first_indexed_time":1644003269,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,smithsonianmag!www,\/travel\/the-beijing-winter-olympics-180979518\/ s443","src_root_hash":"9336334734205289704","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics","meta_descriptions":["As you watch the Beijing Winter Olympics, enjoy this guide to the history, science and thrills of the worldwide athletic competition"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Fireworks fill the sky over the \"Bird's Nest\" arena in Beijing on January 30, 2022\nPhoto by Yang Wei\/VCG via Getty Images\nSpecial Report\nAs you watch the Beijing Winter Olympics, enjoy this guide to the history, science and thrills of the worldwide athletic competition\nScience\nIf Microbes Entered the Olympics, These One-Celled Superstars Would Win Gold\nThey race, they spin, they shoot. Meet the organisms for which physical prowess is more than sport—it’s a matter of life and death\nFebruary 6, 2026\nAt the Smithsonian\nSee the Blades That Carried Boitano to Gold in the ‘Battle of the Brians’ in the 1988 Olympics\nThe American’s fabled rivalry with Canadian Brian Orser reached its pinnacle in Calgary on these skates, now part of the Smithsonian collection\nJanuary\/February 2026\nHistory\nTen Surprising Public Figures Who Dreamed of Olympic Gold\nThe list includes European royals, Darth Vader’s stunt double and an American World War II general\nJuly 22, 2024\nHistory\nNine Things You Didn’t Know About the Ancient Olympic Games\nWith an intensive athletes’ boot camp and the threat of execution for unwelcome spectators, the Greek sporting event was a serious affair\nJuly 15, 2024\nScience\nThe Freaky Physics of Ski Jump\nOlympic ski jumpers do everything they can do counteract the effects of gravity and fly as far as they can down hills\nFebruary 11, 2022","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/travel\/the-beijing-winter-olympics-180979518\/#main-content)\n\n[![Smithsonian Magazine white logo](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/static\/smithsonianmag\/img\/smithmag-logo-horizontal-white.98dddd9f3f4d.svg)](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/)\n\n[Search](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/search\/) [Shop](https:\/\/www.smithsonianstore.com\/?code=SEMAG&utm_source=Smithsonianmag.com&utm_medium=shoplink&utm_campaign=hol2016) [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/email\/add\/) [Renew](https:\/\/ssl.drgnetwork.com\/flex\/SMT\/SMRENEWAL\/) [Give a Gift](https:\/\/subscribe.smithsonianmag.com\/gift?idx=579&inetz=sticky_menu&promo_name=current-issue&promo_position=top-nav&promo_creative=button&promo_id=gift) [Subscribe](https:\/\/subscribe.smithsonianmag.com\/?idx=1913&inetz=sticky_menu&promo_name=current-issue&promo_position=top-nav&promo_creative=button&promo_id=subscribe) [Membership](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/membership\/)\n\ni\n\n[Subscribe](https:\/\/subscribe.smithsonianmag.com\/?idx=1913&inetz=side_menu&promo_name=current-issue&promo_position=left_nav&promo_creative=button&promo_id=subscribe)\n\n[Give a Gift](https:\/\/subscribe.smithsonianmag.com\/gift?idx=579&inetz=side_menu&promo_name=current-issue&promo_position=left_nav&promo_creative=button&promo_id=gift)\n\n[Renew](https:\/\/ssl.drgnetwork.com\/flex\/SMT\/SMRENEWAL\/)\n\nSections\n\n- [Smart News](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/smart-news\/)\n- [History](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/history\/)\n- [Science](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/science-nature\/)\n- [Innovation](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/innovation\/)\n- [Arts & Culture](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/arts-culture\/)\n- [Travel](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/travel\/)\n- [At the Smithsonian](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/smithsonian-institution\/)\n\nMore from Smithsonian magazine\n\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/email\/)\n- [Photo Contest](https:\/\/photocontest.smithsonianmag.com\/photocontest\/)\n- [Podcast](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/podcast\/)\n- [Videos](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/video\/)\n\nOur Partners\n\n- [Smithsonian Store](https:\/\/www.smithsonianstore.com\/)\n- [Smithsonian Journeys](https:\/\/www.smithsonianjourneys.org\/)\n\n[Subscribe to Smithsonian magazine and get a FREE tote.](https:\/\/subscribe.smithsonianmag.com\/?idx=1913&inetz=below_nav)\n\n![](https:\/\/th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com\/E_g2pC4iQX6Xb_qcuO5-0tx5bnw=\/1000x750\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):focal\\(3135x2090:3136x2091\\)\/https:\/\/tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/filer_public\/b4\/7a\/b47a1f56-c5b9-4dca-8cd6-d04a5b476563\/gettyimages-1367756017.jpg)\n\nFireworks fill the sky over the \"Bird's Nest\" arena in Beijing on January 30, 2022 Photo by Yang Wei\/VCG via Getty Images\n\n***\nSpecial Report\n\n# The Beijing Winter Olympics\n## As you watch the Beijing Winter Olympics, enjoy this guide to the history, science and thrills of the worldwide athletic competition\n***\n\n[![Snowboarder Shannon Dunn competes for Team USA in the 1998 Winter Olympics, where she won the bronze medal in half-pipe.](https:\/\/th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com\/NfNU7OhI9lGrv1WhLtRMq0f4Zf0=\/450x300\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):focal\\(878x610:879x611\\)\/https:\/\/tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/filer_public\/28\/19\/281975c0-f23f-430c-8490-f6824bc1f208\/gettyimages-52841825.jpg)](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/innovation\/brief-history-snowboarding-180979233\/)\n\n[Innovation](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/innovation\/)\n\n### [A Brief History of Snowboarding](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/innovation\/brief-history-snowboarding-180979233\/)\nRebellious youth. Olympic glory. How a goofy American pastime conquered winter\n\n[![Activists in London hold signs urging the BBC to boycott the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing.](https:\/\/th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com\/B29Ncf5A8cFNLmvSKqeICCEB6ZI=\/450x300\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):focal\\(2500x1667:2501x1668\\)\/https:\/\/tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/filer_public\/93\/6b\/936bb1d0-4dca-4622-8084-0c2a90fd2872\/gettyimages-1237538546.jpg)](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/history\/is-china-committing-genocide-against-the-uyghurs-180979490\/)\n\n[History](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/history\/)\n\n### [Is China Committing Genocide Against the Uyghurs?](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/history\/is-china-committing-genocide-against-the-uyghurs-180979490\/)\nThe Muslim minority group faces mass detention and sterilization—human rights abuses that sparked the U.S.' diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Olympics\n\n[![In the 2010 Winter Olympics Games in Vancouver, the USA's Hannah Teter (above: in action during the women's snowboard halfpipe competition) took home silver. Her boots are now in the collections of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.](https:\/\/th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com\/nA23f15PmAdMQDO6JqrkBnDd0mQ=\/450x300\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):focal\\(2048x1365:2049x1366\\)\/https:\/\/tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/filer_public\/cf\/28\/cf28830c-da0c-4c38-8270-643cb2e246a9\/gettyimages-676312184.jpg)](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/smithsonian-institution\/meet-trailblazers-in-womens-olympic-snowboarding-180979498\/)\n\n[At the Smithsonian](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/smithsonian-institution\/)\n\n### [Meet the Trailblazers in Women’s Olympic Snowboarding](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/smithsonian-institution\/meet-trailblazers-in-womens-olympic-snowboarding-180979498\/)\nThe careers of Shannon Dunn-Downing, Kelly Clark, Amy Purdy and Hannah Teter are recognized in the Smithsonian collections; learn their stories\n\n[![For their scale, these microbes are faster and more resilient than any human athlete.](https:\/\/th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com\/1kwzUKWcivMq7IyHC4anNdux-ZM=\/450x300\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):focal\\(745x298:746x299\\)\/https:\/\/tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/filer_public\/a2\/b9\/a2b93d00-4258-4f05-a86a-a8cc98889f3b\/microbial-speed-1500.jpg)](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/science-nature\/if-microbes-entered-the-olympics-these-one-celled-superstars-would-win-gold-180988135\/)\n\n[Science](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/science-nature\/)\n\n### [If Microbes Entered the Olympics, These One-Celled Superstars Would Win Gold](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/science-nature\/if-microbes-entered-the-olympics-these-one-celled-superstars-would-win-gold-180988135\/)\nThey race, they spin, they shoot. Meet the organisms for which physical prowess is more than sport—it’s a matter of life and death\n\nFebruary 6, 2026\n\n[![A skier takes advantage of several inches of snow covering blanketing the landscape, including trees that resemble piles of cotton balls, on Revelstoke Mountain in British Columbia.](https:\/\/th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com\/pphCprpEr6Z-uV0xNDb6hLpM1bI=\/450x300\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):focal\\(2559x1742:2560x1743\\)\/https:\/\/tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/filer_public\/3b\/d2\/3bd2ed97-2caf-4239-8b6d-c82a24b99a8c\/1_-_9ffc38f8-8768-45b0-a2c8-688ac5b22a11.jpg)](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/travel\/see-15-images-that-will-help-you-fall-in-love-the-winter-olympic-games-180988118\/)\n\n[Travel](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/travel\/)\n\n### [These 15 Inspiring Images of Winter Sports Will Help You Rediscover Your Olympic Spirit](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/travel\/see-15-images-that-will-help-you-fall-in-love-the-winter-olympic-games-180988118\/)\nYou don’t have to be an Olympian to enjoy these snowy activities\n\nFebruary 6, 2026\n\n[![Brian Boitano wore these skates during the performance that earned him a gold medal in figure skating at the Calgary Games in 1988. The boots were made by Harlick \\&amp; Company and the metal by John Wilson Blades. \\&nbsp;](https:\/\/th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com\/qwUx2JLcmKB_1bBITPzwbe_UtK4=\/450x300\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):focal\\(2025x1350:2026x1351\\)\/https:\/\/tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/filer_public\/1e\/e0\/1ee02b77-f2a0-43eb-a17f-e36838a0e8b7\/janelle_jones_smithsonian_250725_1_copy.jpg)](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/smithsonian-institution\/see-blades-carried-brian-boitano-gold-battle-brians-1988-olympics-180987840\/)\n\n[At the Smithsonian](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/smithsonian-institution\/)\n\n### [See the Blades That Carried Boitano to Gold in the ‘Battle of the Brians’ in the 1988 Olympics](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/smithsonian-institution\/see-blades-carried-brian-boitano-gold-battle-brians-1988-olympics-180987840\/)\nThe American’s fabled rivalry with Canadian Brian Orser reached its pinnacle in Calgary on these skates, now part of the Smithsonian collection\n\nJanuary\/February 2026\n\n[![Of these featured individuals, Benjamin Spock, Johnny Weissmuller and Harold Sakata medaled at the Olympics.](https:\/\/th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com\/ZhPS1GYymy4XJjFXz7_sXITcOoc=\/450x300\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):focal\\(700x527:701x528\\)\/https:\/\/tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/filer_public\/7a\/46\/7a4647f9-93e6-4980-a892-e952b37c57ff\/surprising-olympians.jpg)](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/history\/ten-surprising-public-figures-who-dreamed-of-olympic-gold-180984716\/)\n\n[History](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/history\/)\n\n### [Ten Surprising Public Figures Who Dreamed of Olympic Gold](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/history\/ten-surprising-public-figures-who-dreamed-of-olympic-gold-180984716\/)\nThe list includes European royals, Darth Vader’s stunt double and an American World War II general\n\nJuly 22, 2024\n\n[![From the real reason behind the Games\\&\\#39; collapse to a breakdown of who was eligible to compete, here\\&\\#39;s what you need to know about the ancient Olympics.](https:\/\/th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com\/BS4a1nJVdYU9H6jg3TkaoPIULvk=\/450x300\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):focal\\(700x527:701x528\\)\/https:\/\/tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/filer_public\/b8\/08\/b808e1b7-529c-4a7e-8817-f08873f89a3b\/olympics.jpg)](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/history\/nine-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-ancient-olympic-games-180984672\/)\n\n[History](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/history\/)\n\n### [Nine Things You Didn’t Know About the Ancient Olympic Games](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/history\/nine-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-ancient-olympic-games-180984672\/)\nWith an intensive athletes’ boot camp and the threat of execution for unwelcome spectators, the Greek sporting event was a serious affair\n\nJuly 15, 2024\n\n[![Ski jumpers use aerodynamics and physics to overcome gravity \\&ndash; at least for a while.](https:\/\/th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com\/BXp-xF-xPck8feSnFBBGEBqbaBA=\/450x300\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):focal\\(3492x2328:3493x2329\\)\/https:\/\/tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/filer_public\/3d\/75\/3d75dbca-615f-480e-8ffc-cf27c7338247\/gettyimages-1238349015.jpg)](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/science-nature\/the-freaky-physics-of-ski-jump-180979554\/)\n\n[Science](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/science-nature\/)\n\n### [The Freaky Physics of Ski Jump](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/science-nature\/the-freaky-physics-of-ski-jump-180979554\/)\nOlympic ski jumpers do everything they can do counteract the effects of gravity and fly as far as they can down hills\n\nFebruary 11, 2022\n\n[![Smithsonian Magazine Logo in white on the site footer](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/static\/smithsonianmag\/img\/smithmag-logo-vertical-white.ef7f9ca72042.svg)](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/)\n\nFollow Us\n\nExplore\n\n- [Smart News](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/smart-news\/)\n- [History](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/history\/)\n- [Science](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/science-nature\/)\n- [Innovation](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/innovation\/)\n- [Arts & Culture](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/arts-culture\/)\n- [Travel](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/travel\/)\n- [At the Smithsonian](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/smithsonian-institution\/)\n- [Photo Contest](https:\/\/photocontest.smithsonianmag.com\/photocontest\/)\n- [Podcast](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/podcast\/)\n- [Video](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/video\/)\n\nSubscription\n\n- [Subscribe](https:\/\/subscribe.smithsonianmag.com\/?idx=1913&inetz=footer&promo_name=current-issue&promo_position=footer&promo_creative=link&promo_id=subscribe)\n- [Give a gift](https:\/\/subscribe.smithsonianmag.com\/gift?idx=579&inetz=footer&promo_name=current-issue&promo_position=footer&promo_creative=link&promo_id=gift)\n- [Renew](https:\/\/ssl.drgnetwork.com\/flex\/SMT\/SMRENEWAL\/)\n- [Manage My Account](https:\/\/ssl.drgnetwork.com\/SMT\/cs\/gidSMALL\/login)\n\nNewsletters\n\n- [Sign Up](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/email\/add\/)\n\nAbout\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/about\/)\n- [Advertising](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/mediakit\/)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/contact\/)\n- [Content Licensing](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/licensing\/)\n- [FAQ](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/contact\/faqs\/)\n- [Feedback](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/contact\/feedback\/)\n- [Internships & Employment](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/about\/internships-employment\/)\n- [Member Services](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/member-services\/)\n- [Smithsonian Institution](https:\/\/www.si.edu\/)\n- [Staff](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/about\/magazine-staff\/)\n\nOur Partners\n\n- [Smithsonian.com](https:\/\/www.smithsonian.com\/?utm_source=Smithsonianmag.com&utm_medium=globalfooter&utm_campaign=referlink)\n- [Smithsonian Store](https:\/\/www.smithsonianstore.com\/)\n- [Smithsonian Journeys](https:\/\/www.smithsonianjourneys.org\/catalog\/?src=sjmod-new-hp&utm_source=smithsonianmag.com&utm_medium=module&utm_campaign=sjmod-new-hp&utm_content=footer)\n- [Smithsonian Channel](https:\/\/www.smithsonianchannel.com\/?utm_source=Smithsonianmag.com&utm_medium=globalfooter&utm_campaign=referlink)\n- [Smithsonian Books](https:\/\/www.smithsonianbooks.com\/?utm_source=Smithsonianmag.com&utm_medium=globalfooter&utm_campaign=referlink)\n- [Smithsonian Membership](https:\/\/www.si.edu\/support)\n\n© 2026 Smithsonian Magazine [Privacy Statement \\[5\/20\/25\\]](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/privacy\/) [Cookie Policy \\[5\/20\/25\\]](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/privacy\/cookie-policy\/) [Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.si.edu\/termsofuse) [Advertising Notice](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/privacy\/ad-choices\/) [Your Privacy Choices](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/privacy\/manage-my-data\/) [Cookie Settings]()","attrs_readable_markdown":"![](https:\/\/th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com\/E_g2pC4iQX6Xb_qcuO5-0tx5bnw=\/1000x750\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):focal\\(3135x2090:3136x2091\\)\/https:\/\/tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/filer_public\/b4\/7a\/b47a1f56-c5b9-4dca-8cd6-d04a5b476563\/gettyimages-1367756017.jpg)\n\nFireworks fill the sky over the \"Bird's Nest\" arena in Beijing on January 30, 2022 Photo by Yang Wei\/VCG via Getty Images\n\n***\nSpecial Report\n\n## As you watch the Beijing Winter Olympics, enjoy this guide to the history, science and thrills of the worldwide athletic competition\n***\n\n[![For their scale, these microbes are faster and more resilient than any human athlete.](https:\/\/th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com\/1kwzUKWcivMq7IyHC4anNdux-ZM=\/450x300\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):focal\\(745x298:746x299\\)\/https:\/\/tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/filer_public\/a2\/b9\/a2b93d00-4258-4f05-a86a-a8cc98889f3b\/microbial-speed-1500.jpg)](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/science-nature\/if-microbes-entered-the-olympics-these-one-celled-superstars-would-win-gold-180988135\/)\n\n[Science](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/science-nature\/)\n\n### [If Microbes Entered the Olympics, These One-Celled Superstars Would Win Gold](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/science-nature\/if-microbes-entered-the-olympics-these-one-celled-superstars-would-win-gold-180988135\/)\nThey race, they spin, they shoot. Meet the organisms for which physical prowess is more than sport—it’s a matter of life and death\n\nFebruary 6, 2026\n\n[![A skier takes advantage of several inches of snow covering blanketing the landscape, including trees that resemble piles of cotton balls, on Revelstoke Mountain in British Columbia.](https:\/\/th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com\/pphCprpEr6Z-uV0xNDb6hLpM1bI=\/450x300\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):focal\\(2559x1742:2560x1743\\)\/https:\/\/tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/filer_public\/3b\/d2\/3bd2ed97-2caf-4239-8b6d-c82a24b99a8c\/1_-_9ffc38f8-8768-45b0-a2c8-688ac5b22a11.jpg)](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/travel\/see-15-images-that-will-help-you-fall-in-love-the-winter-olympic-games-180988118\/)\n\n[![Brian Boitano wore these skates during the performance that earned him a gold medal in figure skating at the Calgary Games in 1988. The boots were made by Harlick \\&amp; Company and the metal by John Wilson Blades. \\&nbsp;](https:\/\/th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com\/qwUx2JLcmKB_1bBITPzwbe_UtK4=\/450x300\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):focal\\(2025x1350:2026x1351\\)\/https:\/\/tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/filer_public\/1e\/e0\/1ee02b77-f2a0-43eb-a17f-e36838a0e8b7\/janelle_jones_smithsonian_250725_1_copy.jpg)](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/smithsonian-institution\/see-blades-carried-brian-boitano-gold-battle-brians-1988-olympics-180987840\/)\n\n[At the Smithsonian](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/smithsonian-institution\/)\n\n### [See the Blades That Carried Boitano to Gold in the ‘Battle of the Brians’ in the 1988 Olympics](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/smithsonian-institution\/see-blades-carried-brian-boitano-gold-battle-brians-1988-olympics-180987840\/)\nThe American’s fabled rivalry with Canadian Brian Orser reached its pinnacle in Calgary on these skates, now part of the Smithsonian collection\n\nJanuary\/February 2026\n\n[![Of these featured individuals, Benjamin Spock, Johnny Weissmuller and Harold Sakata medaled at the Olympics.](https:\/\/th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com\/ZhPS1GYymy4XJjFXz7_sXITcOoc=\/450x300\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):focal\\(700x527:701x528\\)\/https:\/\/tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/filer_public\/7a\/46\/7a4647f9-93e6-4980-a892-e952b37c57ff\/surprising-olympians.jpg)](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/history\/ten-surprising-public-figures-who-dreamed-of-olympic-gold-180984716\/)\n\n[History](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/history\/)\n\n### [Ten Surprising Public Figures Who Dreamed of Olympic Gold](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/history\/ten-surprising-public-figures-who-dreamed-of-olympic-gold-180984716\/)\nThe list includes European royals, Darth Vader’s stunt double and an American World War II general\n\nJuly 22, 2024\n\n[![From the real reason behind the Games\\&\\#39; collapse to a breakdown of who was eligible to compete, here\\&\\#39;s what you need to know about the ancient Olympics.](https:\/\/th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com\/BS4a1nJVdYU9H6jg3TkaoPIULvk=\/450x300\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):focal\\(700x527:701x528\\)\/https:\/\/tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/filer_public\/b8\/08\/b808e1b7-529c-4a7e-8817-f08873f89a3b\/olympics.jpg)](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/history\/nine-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-ancient-olympic-games-180984672\/)\n\n[History](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/history\/)\n\n### [Nine Things You Didn’t Know About the Ancient Olympic Games](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/history\/nine-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-ancient-olympic-games-180984672\/)\nWith an intensive athletes’ boot camp and the threat of execution for unwelcome spectators, the Greek sporting event was a serious affair\n\nJuly 15, 2024\n\n[![Ski jumpers use aerodynamics and physics to overcome gravity \\&ndash; at least for a while.](https:\/\/th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com\/BXp-xF-xPck8feSnFBBGEBqbaBA=\/450x300\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):focal\\(3492x2328:3493x2329\\)\/https:\/\/tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/filer_public\/3d\/75\/3d75dbca-615f-480e-8ffc-cf27c7338247\/gettyimages-1238349015.jpg)](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/science-nature\/the-freaky-physics-of-ski-jump-180979554\/)\n\n[Science](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/category\/science-nature\/)\n\n### [The Freaky Physics of Ski Jump](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/science-nature\/the-freaky-physics-of-ski-jump-180979554\/)\nOlympic ski jumpers do everything they can do counteract the effects of gravity and fly as far as they can down hills\n\nFebruary 11, 2022","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

2 days ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.1 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/the-beijing-winter-olympics-180979518/
Last Crawled	2026-04-13 07:56:57 (2 days ago)
First Indexed	2022-02-04 19:34:29 (4 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
Meta Description	As you watch the Beijing Winter Olympics, enjoy this guide to the history, science and thrills of the worldwide athletic competition
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	Fireworks fill the sky over the "Bird's Nest" arena in Beijing on January 30, 2022 Photo by Yang Wei/VCG via Getty Images Special Report As you watch the Beijing Winter Olympics, enjoy this guide to the history, science and thrills of the worldwide athletic competition Science If Microbes Entered the Olympics, These One-Celled Superstars Would Win Gold They race, they spin, they shoot. Meet the organisms for which physical prowess is more than sport—it’s a matter of life and death February 6, 2026 At the Smithsonian See the Blades That Carried Boitano to Gold in the ‘Battle of the Brians’ in the 1988 Olympics The American’s fabled rivalry with Canadian Brian Orser reached its pinnacle in Calgary on these skates, now part of the Smithsonian collection January/February 2026 History Ten Surprising Public Figures Who Dreamed of Olympic Gold The list includes European royals, Darth Vader’s stunt double and an American World War II general July 22, 2024 History Nine Things You Didn’t Know About the Ancient Olympic Games With an intensive athletes’ boot camp and the threat of execution for unwelcome spectators, the Greek sporting event was a serious affair July 15, 2024 Science The Freaky Physics of Ski Jump Olympic ski jumpers do everything they can do counteract the effects of gravity and fly as far as they can down hills February 11, 2022
Markdown	[Skip to main content](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/the-beijing-winter-olympics-180979518/#main-content) [![Smithsonian Magazine white logo](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/static/smithsonianmag/img/smithmag-logo-horizontal-white.98dddd9f3f4d.svg)](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/) [Search](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/search/) [Shop](https://www.smithsonianstore.com/?code=SEMAG&utm_source=Smithsonianmag.com&utm_medium=shoplink&utm_campaign=hol2016) [Newsletters](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/email/add/) [Renew](https://ssl.drgnetwork.com/flex/SMT/SMRENEWAL/) [Give a Gift](https://subscribe.smithsonianmag.com/gift?idx=579&inetz=sticky_menu&promo_name=current-issue&promo_position=top-nav&promo_creative=button&promo_id=gift) [Subscribe](https://subscribe.smithsonianmag.com/?idx=1913&inetz=sticky_menu&promo_name=current-issue&promo_position=top-nav&promo_creative=button&promo_id=subscribe) [Membership](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/membership/) i [Subscribe](https://subscribe.smithsonianmag.com/?idx=1913&inetz=side_menu&promo_name=current-issue&promo_position=left_nav&promo_creative=button&promo_id=subscribe) [Give a Gift](https://subscribe.smithsonianmag.com/gift?idx=579&inetz=side_menu&promo_name=current-issue&promo_position=left_nav&promo_creative=button&promo_id=gift) [Renew](https://ssl.drgnetwork.com/flex/SMT/SMRENEWAL/) Sections - [Smart News](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/smart-news/) - [History](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/history/) - [Science](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/science-nature/) - [Innovation](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/innovation/) - [Arts & Culture](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/arts-culture/) - [Travel](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/travel/) - [At the Smithsonian](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/smithsonian-institution/) More from Smithsonian magazine - [Newsletters](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/email/) - [Photo Contest](https://photocontest.smithsonianmag.com/photocontest/) - [Podcast](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/podcast/) - [Videos](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/video/) Our Partners - [Smithsonian Store](https://www.smithsonianstore.com/) - [Smithsonian Journeys](https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/) [Subscribe to Smithsonian magazine and get a FREE tote.](https://subscribe.smithsonianmag.com/?idx=1913&inetz=below_nav) ![](https://th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com/E_g2pC4iQX6Xb_qcuO5-0tx5bnw=/1000x750/filters:no_upscale\(\):focal\(3135x2090:3136x2091\)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/b4/7a/b47a1f56-c5b9-4dca-8cd6-d04a5b476563/gettyimages-1367756017.jpg) Fireworks fill the sky over the "Bird's Nest" arena in Beijing on January 30, 2022 Photo by Yang Wei/VCG via Getty Images * Special Report # The Beijing Winter Olympics ## As you watch the Beijing Winter Olympics, enjoy this guide to the history, science and thrills of the worldwide athletic competition * [![Snowboarder Shannon Dunn competes for Team USA in the 1998 Winter Olympics, where she won the bronze medal in half-pipe.](https://th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com/NfNU7OhI9lGrv1WhLtRMq0f4Zf0=/450x300/filters:no_upscale\(\):focal\(878x610:879x611\)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/28/19/281975c0-f23f-430c-8490-f6824bc1f208/gettyimages-52841825.jpg)](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/brief-history-snowboarding-180979233/) [Innovation](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/innovation/) ### [A Brief History of Snowboarding](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/brief-history-snowboarding-180979233/) Rebellious youth. Olympic glory. How a goofy American pastime conquered winter [![Activists in London hold signs urging the BBC to boycott the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing.](https://th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com/B29Ncf5A8cFNLmvSKqeICCEB6ZI=/450x300/filters:no_upscale\(\):focal\(2500x1667:2501x1668\)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/93/6b/936bb1d0-4dca-4622-8084-0c2a90fd2872/gettyimages-1237538546.jpg)](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/is-china-committing-genocide-against-the-uyghurs-180979490/) [History](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/history/) ### [Is China Committing Genocide Against the Uyghurs?](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/is-china-committing-genocide-against-the-uyghurs-180979490/) The Muslim minority group faces mass detention and sterilization—human rights abuses that sparked the U.S.' diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Olympics [![In the 2010 Winter Olympics Games in Vancouver, the USA's Hannah Teter (above: in action during the women's snowboard halfpipe competition) took home silver. Her boots are now in the collections of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.](https://th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com/nA23f15PmAdMQDO6JqrkBnDd0mQ=/450x300/filters:no_upscale\(\):focal\(2048x1365:2049x1366\)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/cf/28/cf28830c-da0c-4c38-8270-643cb2e246a9/gettyimages-676312184.jpg)](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/meet-trailblazers-in-womens-olympic-snowboarding-180979498/) [At the Smithsonian](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/smithsonian-institution/) ### [Meet the Trailblazers in Women’s Olympic Snowboarding](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/meet-trailblazers-in-womens-olympic-snowboarding-180979498/) The careers of Shannon Dunn-Downing, Kelly Clark, Amy Purdy and Hannah Teter are recognized in the Smithsonian collections; learn their stories [![For their scale, these microbes are faster and more resilient than any human athlete.](https://th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com/1kwzUKWcivMq7IyHC4anNdux-ZM=/450x300/filters:no_upscale\(\):focal\(745x298:746x299\)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/a2/b9/a2b93d00-4258-4f05-a86a-a8cc98889f3b/microbial-speed-1500.jpg)](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/if-microbes-entered-the-olympics-these-one-celled-superstars-would-win-gold-180988135/) [Science](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/science-nature/) ### [If Microbes Entered the Olympics, These One-Celled Superstars Would Win Gold](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/if-microbes-entered-the-olympics-these-one-celled-superstars-would-win-gold-180988135/) They race, they spin, they shoot. Meet the organisms for which physical prowess is more than sport—it’s a matter of life and death February 6, 2026 [![A skier takes advantage of several inches of snow covering blanketing the landscape, including trees that resemble piles of cotton balls, on Revelstoke Mountain in British Columbia.](https://th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com/pphCprpEr6Z-uV0xNDb6hLpM1bI=/450x300/filters:no_upscale\(\):focal\(2559x1742:2560x1743\)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/3b/d2/3bd2ed97-2caf-4239-8b6d-c82a24b99a8c/1_-_9ffc38f8-8768-45b0-a2c8-688ac5b22a11.jpg)](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/see-15-images-that-will-help-you-fall-in-love-the-winter-olympic-games-180988118/) [Travel](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/travel/) ### [These 15 Inspiring Images of Winter Sports Will Help You Rediscover Your Olympic Spirit](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/see-15-images-that-will-help-you-fall-in-love-the-winter-olympic-games-180988118/) You don’t have to be an Olympian to enjoy these snowy activities February 6, 2026 [![Brian Boitano wore these skates during the performance that earned him a gold medal in figure skating at the Calgary Games in 1988. The boots were made by Harlick \& Company and the metal by John Wilson Blades. \ ](https://th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com/qwUx2JLcmKB_1bBITPzwbe_UtK4=/450x300/filters:no_upscale\(\):focal\(2025x1350:2026x1351\)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/1e/e0/1ee02b77-f2a0-43eb-a17f-e36838a0e8b7/janelle_jones_smithsonian_250725_1_copy.jpg)](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/see-blades-carried-brian-boitano-gold-battle-brians-1988-olympics-180987840/) [At the Smithsonian](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/smithsonian-institution/) ### [See the Blades That Carried Boitano to Gold in the ‘Battle of the Brians’ in the 1988 Olympics](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/see-blades-carried-brian-boitano-gold-battle-brians-1988-olympics-180987840/) The American’s fabled rivalry with Canadian Brian Orser reached its pinnacle in Calgary on these skates, now part of the Smithsonian collection January/February 2026 [![Of these featured individuals, Benjamin Spock, Johnny Weissmuller and Harold Sakata medaled at the Olympics.](https://th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com/ZhPS1GYymy4XJjFXz7_sXITcOoc=/450x300/filters:no_upscale\(\):focal\(700x527:701x528\)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/7a/46/7a4647f9-93e6-4980-a892-e952b37c57ff/surprising-olympians.jpg)](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/ten-surprising-public-figures-who-dreamed-of-olympic-gold-180984716/) [History](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/history/) ### [Ten Surprising Public Figures Who Dreamed of Olympic Gold](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/ten-surprising-public-figures-who-dreamed-of-olympic-gold-180984716/) The list includes European royals, Darth Vader’s stunt double and an American World War II general July 22, 2024 [![From the real reason behind the Games\&\#39; collapse to a breakdown of who was eligible to compete, here\&\#39;s what you need to know about the ancient Olympics.](https://th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com/BS4a1nJVdYU9H6jg3TkaoPIULvk=/450x300/filters:no_upscale\(\):focal\(700x527:701x528\)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/b8/08/b808e1b7-529c-4a7e-8817-f08873f89a3b/olympics.jpg)](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/nine-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-ancient-olympic-games-180984672/) [History](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/history/) ### [Nine Things You Didn’t Know About the Ancient Olympic Games](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/nine-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-ancient-olympic-games-180984672/) With an intensive athletes’ boot camp and the threat of execution for unwelcome spectators, the Greek sporting event was a serious affair July 15, 2024 [![Ski jumpers use aerodynamics and physics to overcome gravity \– at least for a while.](https://th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com/BXp-xF-xPck8feSnFBBGEBqbaBA=/450x300/filters:no_upscale\(\):focal\(3492x2328:3493x2329\)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/3d/75/3d75dbca-615f-480e-8ffc-cf27c7338247/gettyimages-1238349015.jpg)](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-freaky-physics-of-ski-jump-180979554/) [Science](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/science-nature/) ### [The Freaky Physics of Ski Jump](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-freaky-physics-of-ski-jump-180979554/) Olympic ski jumpers do everything they can do counteract the effects of gravity and fly as far as they can down hills February 11, 2022 [![Smithsonian Magazine Logo in white on the site footer](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/static/smithsonianmag/img/smithmag-logo-vertical-white.ef7f9ca72042.svg)](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/) Follow Us Explore - [Smart News](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/smart-news/) - [History](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/history/) - [Science](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/science-nature/) - [Innovation](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/innovation/) - [Arts & Culture](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/arts-culture/) - [Travel](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/travel/) - [At the Smithsonian](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/smithsonian-institution/) - [Photo Contest](https://photocontest.smithsonianmag.com/photocontest/) - [Podcast](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/podcast/) - [Video](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/video/) Subscription - [Subscribe](https://subscribe.smithsonianmag.com/?idx=1913&inetz=footer&promo_name=current-issue&promo_position=footer&promo_creative=link&promo_id=subscribe) - [Give a gift](https://subscribe.smithsonianmag.com/gift?idx=579&inetz=footer&promo_name=current-issue&promo_position=footer&promo_creative=link&promo_id=gift) - [Renew](https://ssl.drgnetwork.com/flex/SMT/SMRENEWAL/) - [Manage My Account](https://ssl.drgnetwork.com/SMT/cs/gidSMALL/login) Newsletters - [Sign Up](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/email/add/) About - [About Us](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/about/) - [Advertising](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/mediakit/) - [Contact Us](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/contact/) - [Content Licensing](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/licensing/) - [FAQ](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/contact/faqs/) - [Feedback](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/contact/feedback/) - [Internships & Employment](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/about/internships-employment/) - [Member Services](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/member-services/) - [Smithsonian Institution](https://www.si.edu/) - [Staff](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/about/magazine-staff/) Our Partners - [Smithsonian.com](https://www.smithsonian.com/?utm_source=Smithsonianmag.com&utm_medium=globalfooter&utm_campaign=referlink) - [Smithsonian Store](https://www.smithsonianstore.com/) - [Smithsonian Journeys](https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/catalog/?src=sjmod-new-hp&utm_source=smithsonianmag.com&utm_medium=module&utm_campaign=sjmod-new-hp&utm_content=footer) - [Smithsonian Channel](https://www.smithsonianchannel.com/?utm_source=Smithsonianmag.com&utm_medium=globalfooter&utm_campaign=referlink) - [Smithsonian Books](https://www.smithsonianbooks.com/?utm_source=Smithsonianmag.com&utm_medium=globalfooter&utm_campaign=referlink) - [Smithsonian Membership](https://www.si.edu/support) © 2026 Smithsonian Magazine [Privacy Statement \[5/20/25\]](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/privacy/) [Cookie Policy \[5/20/25\]](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/privacy/cookie-policy/) [Terms of Use](https://www.si.edu/termsofuse) [Advertising Notice](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/privacy/ad-choices/) [Your Privacy Choices](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/privacy/manage-my-data/) [Cookie Settings]()
Readable Markdown	![](https://th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com/E_g2pC4iQX6Xb_qcuO5-0tx5bnw=/1000x750/filters:no_upscale\(\):focal\(3135x2090:3136x2091\)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/b4/7a/b47a1f56-c5b9-4dca-8cd6-d04a5b476563/gettyimages-1367756017.jpg) Fireworks fill the sky over the "Bird's Nest" arena in Beijing on January 30, 2022 Photo by Yang Wei/VCG via Getty Images * Special Report ## As you watch the Beijing Winter Olympics, enjoy this guide to the history, science and thrills of the worldwide athletic competition * [![For their scale, these microbes are faster and more resilient than any human athlete.](https://th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com/1kwzUKWcivMq7IyHC4anNdux-ZM=/450x300/filters:no_upscale\(\):focal\(745x298:746x299\)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/a2/b9/a2b93d00-4258-4f05-a86a-a8cc98889f3b/microbial-speed-1500.jpg)](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/if-microbes-entered-the-olympics-these-one-celled-superstars-would-win-gold-180988135/) [Science](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/science-nature/) ### [If Microbes Entered the Olympics, These One-Celled Superstars Would Win Gold](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/if-microbes-entered-the-olympics-these-one-celled-superstars-would-win-gold-180988135/) They race, they spin, they shoot. Meet the organisms for which physical prowess is more than sport—it’s a matter of life and death February 6, 2026 [![A skier takes advantage of several inches of snow covering blanketing the landscape, including trees that resemble piles of cotton balls, on Revelstoke Mountain in British Columbia.](https://th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com/pphCprpEr6Z-uV0xNDb6hLpM1bI=/450x300/filters:no_upscale\(\):focal\(2559x1742:2560x1743\)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/3b/d2/3bd2ed97-2caf-4239-8b6d-c82a24b99a8c/1_-_9ffc38f8-8768-45b0-a2c8-688ac5b22a11.jpg)](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/see-15-images-that-will-help-you-fall-in-love-the-winter-olympic-games-180988118/) [![Brian Boitano wore these skates during the performance that earned him a gold medal in figure skating at the Calgary Games in 1988. The boots were made by Harlick \& Company and the metal by John Wilson Blades. \ ](https://th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com/qwUx2JLcmKB_1bBITPzwbe_UtK4=/450x300/filters:no_upscale\(\):focal\(2025x1350:2026x1351\)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/1e/e0/1ee02b77-f2a0-43eb-a17f-e36838a0e8b7/janelle_jones_smithsonian_250725_1_copy.jpg)](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/see-blades-carried-brian-boitano-gold-battle-brians-1988-olympics-180987840/) [At the Smithsonian](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/smithsonian-institution/) ### [See the Blades That Carried Boitano to Gold in the ‘Battle of the Brians’ in the 1988 Olympics](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/see-blades-carried-brian-boitano-gold-battle-brians-1988-olympics-180987840/) The American’s fabled rivalry with Canadian Brian Orser reached its pinnacle in Calgary on these skates, now part of the Smithsonian collection January/February 2026 [![Of these featured individuals, Benjamin Spock, Johnny Weissmuller and Harold Sakata medaled at the Olympics.](https://th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com/ZhPS1GYymy4XJjFXz7_sXITcOoc=/450x300/filters:no_upscale\(\):focal\(700x527:701x528\)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/7a/46/7a4647f9-93e6-4980-a892-e952b37c57ff/surprising-olympians.jpg)](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/ten-surprising-public-figures-who-dreamed-of-olympic-gold-180984716/) [History](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/history/) ### [Ten Surprising Public Figures Who Dreamed of Olympic Gold](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/ten-surprising-public-figures-who-dreamed-of-olympic-gold-180984716/) The list includes European royals, Darth Vader’s stunt double and an American World War II general July 22, 2024 [![From the real reason behind the Games\&\#39; collapse to a breakdown of who was eligible to compete, here\&\#39;s what you need to know about the ancient Olympics.](https://th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com/BS4a1nJVdYU9H6jg3TkaoPIULvk=/450x300/filters:no_upscale\(\):focal\(700x527:701x528\)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/b8/08/b808e1b7-529c-4a7e-8817-f08873f89a3b/olympics.jpg)](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/nine-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-ancient-olympic-games-180984672/) [History](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/history/) ### [Nine Things You Didn’t Know About the Ancient Olympic Games](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/nine-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-ancient-olympic-games-180984672/) With an intensive athletes’ boot camp and the threat of execution for unwelcome spectators, the Greek sporting event was a serious affair July 15, 2024 [![Ski jumpers use aerodynamics and physics to overcome gravity \– at least for a while.](https://th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com/BXp-xF-xPck8feSnFBBGEBqbaBA=/450x300/filters:no_upscale\(\):focal\(3492x2328:3493x2329\)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/3d/75/3d75dbca-615f-480e-8ffc-cf27c7338247/gettyimages-1238349015.jpg)](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-freaky-physics-of-ski-jump-180979554/) [Science](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/category/science-nature/) ### [The Freaky Physics of Ski Jump](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-freaky-physics-of-ski-jump-180979554/) Olympic ski jumpers do everything they can do counteract the effects of gravity and fly as far as they can down hills February 11, 2022
Shard	104 (laksa)
Root Hash	9336334734205289704
Unparsed URL	com,smithsonianmag!www,/travel/the-beijing-winter-olympics-180979518/ s443