The organizing committee for the French Alps 2030 Games is still far from deciding which additional sports it would like to include in the program. However, lobbying has already begun. Sebastian Coe reiterates at every opportunity how much cross-country skiing would be welcome. a relevant addition for the Winter GamesDavid Lappartient also spoke out in defense of cyclo-cross, dreaming of seeing stars like Mathieu van der Poel battling for a medal. To achieve this, the Olympic Charter would need to be amended, since neither of these disciplines takes place on ice or snow. This is no small feat, given the mixed reactions this idea has provoked.
A concern for the brand and identity of the Winter Games
On Wednesday, the Winter Olympic Federations broke their silence. The IBU, IBSF, IIHF, FIL, ISU, FIS and World Curling reached an agreement ona joint press releaseThey call themselves " fully committed to innovation, universality and strengthening the unique and clearly differentiated appeal of the Winter Olympic Games So far, Sebastian Coe can be satisfied, as he insists on the importance of cross-country running for opening the Winter Games to more countries. The Winter Olympic Federations also welcome the opportunity created by IOC President Kirsty Coventry to review all aspects of the Olympic Movement through the Fit for the Future consultation process ", as well as " the IOC's efforts to continue modernizing the Games in order to attract new audiences and to explore dynamic and relevant ways to make the Olympic Movement more inclusive and sustainable ».
However, they are not ready to invite just anyone to their table. The future of the Winter Olympics will not be better served by fragmented proposals, such as integrating non-Olympic disciplines from international summer federations into the Winter Olympics. they assertThe Winter Olympic federations firmly believe that such an approach would dilute the brand, heritage and identity that make the Winter Olympics unique: a celebration of sports practiced on snow and ice, with a distinct culture, athletes and playing fields. »
"Focus on the evolution of existing winter sports"
Michael Payne, former marketing director of the IOC, shared his perspective on this very subject for Francs Jeux a few days ago : " World Athletics would love to be included in the Winter Games; it would represent potential revenue. Winter Olympic federations receive significantly more money than summer federations because there are only seven mouths to feed at the Winter Games, compared to 30 at the Summer Games. So I'm not sure the seven Winter Olympic federations would welcome newcomers with open arms. »
Held in winter, but in a setting more muddy than snowy, cross-country and cyclo-cross would indeed not be welcome. But the door could open more easily for sports like freeride, speed skiing, or telemark skiing, also mentioned in recent months. Innovation must focus on evolving existing winter sports to attract a wider audience and increase the appeal of the Winter Olympic Games. A successful example of such evolution is the inclusion of ski mountaineering (ISMF), a discipline born in authentic winter environments and emblematic of the continuous development of winter sports. "The positions are clear," emphasizes Ivo Ferriani, president of the Winter Olympic Federations. It remains to be seen which way the debate will ultimately tip.
