BEIJING: Crammed on every available surface in Zhang Wenquan’s crowded Beijing home is Olympic memorabilia — from mascots and torches to flags, banners, clothes and cuddly toys.
The Chinese superfan scours the internet for rare souvenirs and snaps selfies several times a week by the countdown clock to the 2022 Winter Games in the capital.
Beijing will become the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics when the event kicks off in February — a dream come true for the construction firm worker.
Zhang’s interest was first piqued when he became glued to the 2000 Sydney Olympics as a high-school student.
“I saw China win many gold medals and felt inspired,” the 35-year-old told AFP.
When the…
