WHAT'S THE ISSUE? 

The big event at the beginning of this year is the 24th Winter Olympic Games in Beijing.  Thousands of athletes will gather as Beijing becomes the first ever city to host both the summer and winter Olympics. Chef d'equipe of the French team for Beijing 2022 and a three-time Olympian herself, Nathalie Pechalat talks to us about what we can expect in the continuing shadow of COVID-19. 

MEET THE EXPERT: 

Nathalie Péchalat is a French skating official and retired ice dancer, who currently serves as the president of the Fédération Française des Sports de Glace and chef d'equipe of the French team for Beijing 2022.  

During her competitive career with partner Fabian Bourzat, she was a two-time world bronze medalist (2012, 2014), a two-time European champion (2011–2012), and a five-time French national champion (2009, 2011–2014). They won five medals at the Grand Prix Final (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013) and thirteen other Grand Prix medals, including three golds at the Cup of China and two at Trophée Eric Bompard. 

WHAT DOES PECHELAT SAY?

Pechalat says the COVID-19 pandemic has had a big impact on the organization of the Games, but that the athletes focus only on their own goals, to get their names on the list and even to get the medals: "So, day by day, they're just focused on the practice."

She adds that the most important thing is that the Olympic Games happen. "In Tokyo it took one more year, but at least it happened. So we just cross our fingers to make it happen in Beijing."

ALSO ON THE AGENDA 

- Senior Research Fellow with the Global Policy Institute Jacques Reland predicts the possible result of the coming election in France and its role in Europe.  

- Global Leader of Climate and Energy at the WWF Manuel Pulgar-Vidal discusses what further action we need to take in 2022 to cope with climate change and preserve biodiversity. 

- World Health Organization Spokesperson Margaret Harris speaks about what we have learned from 2021 and major challenges in 2022. 

- World-famous astrologer Susan Miller tells us what is in her crystal ball about 2022. 

Watch The Agenda in full