The IOC will decide in June 2026 which new sports, like trail running or ice climbing, will feature in the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps
THE International Olympic Committee will decide in June 2026 whether to add new sports to the programme for the 2030 Winter Olympics.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry confirmed the timeline during a media briefing on Wednesday, delaying an initial plan to announce the list in December 2025.
“We are going to continue assessing all existing disciplines on the Olympic Winter Games programme, as well as with any potential new additional sports, and the decision will be done in June,” said Coventry.
The delay aligns with a broader review process she launched after succeeding Thomas Bach as IOC chief last June.
Coventry established a working group to study the possible inclusion of sports like trail running and cyclocross.
These disciplines fall under international federations currently involved in the Summer Olympics, which would be a first for the Winter Games.
International winter sports federations opposed the move in November, arguing it would “dilute the brand, heritage, and identity” of the Winter Olympics.
Organisers for the 2030 Games in the French Alps are also considering adding ice climbing to the programme.
Freeride skiing is similarly lobbying for an Olympic spot.
Ski mountaineering, which will debut at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games, is seeking inclusion again for 2030. – AFP
