Proposals to introduce summer sports into the Winter Olympics have sparked controversy, with the governing body representing existing winter disciplines warning that such a move could “dilute” the Games’ unique identity.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC), under new president Kirsty Coventry, has established working groups to explore potential reforms across both the summer and winter Olympic Games as part of its Fit For The Future initiative. Discussions have included the possibility of adding sports such as cross-country running and cyclo-cross to the Winter Games programme.

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Preserving the Winter Games’ Identity

Colin Grahamslaw, secretary general of the Winter Olympic Federations, stressed the importance of protecting the visual and cultural identity of winter sports.

“The Winter Games have a really strong visual identity of snow and ice, which is unique and worth preserving,” Grahamslaw said.
“By bringing in sports that happen in winter but not on snow or ice, you dilute that brand. It’s not visually very different from the Summer Games.”

The Olympics Charter currently stipulates that only sports practised on snow or ice are recognised as winter sports, highlighting the clear distinction between the two editions of the Games.

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Climate Change and Hosting Challenges

The IOC has acknowledged that climate change poses a challenge for the future of winter sports. Research conducted in 2023 indicated that by 2040, only 10 countries will be able to host snow-based events, reinforcing the need for adaptation and innovation within the Winter Olympics programme.

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Opportunities Within Existing Winter Disciplines

Grahamslaw, who also serves as secretary of the World Curling Federation, emphasised that any increase in the number of Olympic sports should come from within the snow and ice community, rather than importing summer disciplines.

“If there’s capacity within the Winter Games for more sports, more action, more dynamics, then we can provide that from within existing winter disciplines,” he said.

New additions already planned for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics include ski mountaineering, while ice hockey will feature a shortened three-on-three format, offering fresh excitement for fans without compromising the Games’ identity.

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Committed to Innovation and Differentiation

The Winter Olympic Federations, representing biathlon, bobsleigh, skeleton, ice hockey, luge, skating, skiing, snowboarding, and curling, released a statement reaffirming their commitment to:

• Innovation
• Universality
• Strengthening the distinct appeal of the Winter Olympic Games

However, they cautioned that the Games are “not better served by piecemeal proposals” such as introducing summer sports, advocating instead for a strategic approach to growth and adaptation.

“We believe the future of the Winter Olympics lies in enhancing snow and ice sports, not diluting the programme with summer disciplines,” Grahamslaw concluded.