Olympics
The governing bodies behind the Olympic Winter Games have issued a unified statement opposing the potential inclusion of non-winter disciplines from Summer Olympic federations, citing concerns over the dilution of the winter sports identity.
In a joint release on Thursday, the seven Winter Olympic Federations, including the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), International Skating Union (ISU), International Biathlon Union (IBU), and others, reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the distinct character of the Winter Olympics. The statement followed speculation that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was assessing proposals to expand the Winter Games program to include more diverse sports as part of its “Fit for the Future” consultation process led by IOC President Kirsty Coventry.
“The Winter Olympic Federations believe the future of the Olympic Winter Games is not better served by piecemeal proposals, such as the inclusion of Summer IFs’ non-Olympic disciplines. Such an approach would dilute the brand, heritage, and identity that make the Olympic Winter Games unique—a celebration of sports practiced on snow and ice,” the federations said.
Rumors about incorporating non-winter disciplines into the Winter Games emerged during the IOC’s “Fit for the Future” consultation process, launched in 2025 by President Kirsty Coventry to modernize the Olympic Movement. An Olympic Programme Working Group was established to explore crossover opportunities between summer and winter sports, prompting proposals from summer federations to add events like cyclocross and cross-country running to the Winter Olympics. However, Winter Olympic Federations have resisted, arguing that the Games’ identity depends on showcasing sports practiced exclusively on snow and ice, emphasizing that innovation should develop organically within winter sports to preserve the Winter Olympics’ distinctive heritage.
The federations emphasized their support for the IOC’s modernization efforts but argued that innovation should emerge organically within existing winter disciplines, not through the importation of summer sports. They highlighted ski mountaineering’s successful introduction to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games as an example of how authentic expansion can evolve from within the winter sports community.
Ivo Ferriani, President of the Winter Olympic Federations and Head of the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation, emphasized the importance of unity and a clear identity. “Innovation should focus on evolving existing winter sports to attract broader participation and audiences while enhancing the appeal of the Games,” Ferriani said.
The federations concluded by reinforcing their commitment to collaborate with the IOC on developing a “comprehensive, coherent strategy” aimed at sustainability and inclusivity while maintaining the traditional spirit of sports played on snow and ice.
