LAUSANNE, Switzerland – The International Olympic Committee announced Thursday that traditional summer sports will not be included in the 2030 Winter Olympics scheduled for the French Alps, though officials left the door open for such additions in future competitions.
Olympic officials have spent the past year examining various aspects of the Games, including the possibility of adding conventional warm-weather sports to the winter competition to enhance viewership and athlete participation levels.
Such additions could also provide medal opportunities for nations without established winter sports programs. Officials had previously discussed incorporating events like cycling and running combined with cross-country skiing or snow-based competitions.
“For 2030 we have taken the decision, no crossover sports, no summer sports,” IOC President Kirsty Coventry announced during a press conference.
Coventry indicated that any modifications would impact competitions beginning in 2034 and beyond. Salt Lake City is scheduled to host the 2034 Winter Games.
“The Olympic programme commission… will look at all avenues, and that would potentially lend itself to 2034,” she explained.
Winter sports organizations have resisted these proposals, arguing that incorporating summer events would weaken the Winter Olympics brand identity.
Adding popular competitions like track and field or cycling to the Winter Games would also require current winter sports federations to divide revenue streams with additional sporting organizations.
