Heading into the closing weekend of the 2022 Winter Olympics. Two of the world’s rogue states have cast a shadow over these games. While America and countries that aren’t considered geopolitical superpowers provide some hope.

Olympic host nation China and Russia are those rogue states. China’s poor human rights record made Beijing’s selection as Olympic hosts controversial from the start. Those human rights concerns prompted the United States to stage a diplomatic boycott. Outrage over the Chinese government’s actions have zapped away widespread enthusiasm for the games here in America. NBC is on course towards having their lowest-rated Winter Olympics ever.

During the games China has at times leaned into the controversies. There was organizer’s selection of a Uyghur to light the Olympic cauldron. Which was interpreted as a middle finger from Beijing. To critics of China’s treatment of the Uyghur’s. A group many around the world accuse China of committing a cultural genocide against.

Then there’s China’s treatment of now retired Tennis star Peng Shuai. In a since removed social media post last year. She accused a high-ranking Chinese government official of sexual abuse. In the months since then, Shuai has mostly disappeared from the public eye. While denying the allegations in tightly controlled interviews. Conducted in the presence of Chinese officials. Limiting her ability to really speak freely.

One interview, with French newspaper L’Equipe took place during these games. Shuai has also appeared along with International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach. Attending one of the competitions during the games together. China’s efforts to have concerns over Shuai’s well-being fade aren’t working. Instead, the disgusting image China’s government is portraying is control over Shuai. Instead of investigating the claims made in that post. Beijing’s treatment of Shuai is another middle finger from them to the world.

Then there’s Russia, both the country and their Olympic Committee. While Russian athletes are competing in these games. Due to the country’s widespread doping program uncovered after they hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics. Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) athletes aren’t allowed to march with the Russian flag. Or hear the Russian national anthem during medal ceremonies if they win gold. This is increasingly one Russia sized slap on the wrist for the country. For one of the most serious cheating scandals in Olympic history.

Another Russian doping controversy is overshadowing these games. Figure skater Kamila Valieva tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine. Even though the test was taken last Christmas. The results weren’t known until February 8th. A day after she helped the Russian Olympic Committe win gold in the team event.

The positive test resulted in a suspension, but she was re-instated by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Due to the limited facts of the case and citing the fact that she’s a minor. Being 15 years old, Valieva is considered a “protected person” through the World Anti-Doping Code. CAS didn’t want to cause irreparable harm to a minor. As a result of this, she was allowed to compete in this week’s women’s individual event.

Had Valieva medaled, there wouldn’t have been a medal ceremony. There still hasn’t been a medal ceremony for the team event. In which Ohio raised Madison Hubbell and her partner Zachary Donohue helped the U.S. win silver. Valieva was considered the favorite to win gold in the individual event. She finished fourth after falling numerous times in Thursday’s free skate. In one of the most shocking moments of these games.

Ultimately, a reasonable compromise would’ve been to allow the ROC’s team win to stand pending review. Along with having a medal ceremony to give the other competitors a formal celebration. While disallowing Valieva from competing in the individual event. Both in the spirit of fair play and to spare the teenaged Valieva. From the emotional distress she ultimately experienced in front of a global audience Thursday.

Instead of protecting Valieva from that distress, Russia threw her into a lion’s den. Through having her compete in the event amid international outrage. While souring the victorious night for Russia’s gold and silver medalists in that event. Given the doping allegations swirling around Russia. Along with their saber-rattling at Ukraine and the west during the games. Spitting in the face of the notion of an Olympic truce. Russia merits being barred from the Olympics going forward.

While the rouge states of Russia and China drag the Olympics through the muck. Democratic middle and superpowers are shining like gold in the sun at these games. Norway is on course towards wrapping up these Olympics atop the medal count. Leading with an Olympic record 15 gold medals and 34 medals overall going into Saturday. Germany ranks second gold-wise with ten gold and 22 medals overall.

The United States, the world’s main democratic superpower, has 21 overall medals. With eight gold, eight silver and five bronze medals going into Saturday. Ahead of China’s 14 overall medals and outpacing the ROC’s five gold medals. Amid the autocratic bullies “leading” Russia and China. The free world is faring well at the Beijing Winter Olympics.