SIGNIFICANT and potentially “uncomfortable” changes are on the horizon for the Olympics, the president of the International Olympic Committee, Kirsty Coventry, has telegraphed.
This comes as the former Zimbabwe Sports minister, a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, has been awarded the prestigious Charles McCaffree Award by the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA).
At the same time, Coventry has given her clearest signal yet that Russia could be back for the Olympics’ 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Speaking this week ahead of her first Olympic Games as the organisation’s first female leader in its 130-year history, Coventry outlined a defining theme of her presidency: evolution.
“We have to be honest about what works and sometimes more importantly what doesn’t.
“It means we have to look our sports, disciplines and events with fresh eyes to make sure we are evolving with our times.
“We will face difficult decisions and conversations — that’s part of change. I know these discussions can be, and potentially will be uncomfortable, but they are essential if we are to keep the Games strong for generations to come,” Coventry added.
This comes as Olympics Summer Games have increasingly targeted younger audiences, incorporating urban sports such as skateboarding and 3-on-3 basketball over the past decade, with breakdance making its debut in Paris 18 months ago.
“We have to ensure the Games remain inspiring for young people everywhere. That they reflect their values, their sense of authenticity and their search for something genuine,” she said further.
Her remarks, which highlighted the necessity for “a balance between tradition and innovation,” suggest that sports with a long Olympic heritage, such as modern pentathlon, could face an uncertain future at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The outcomes of this Olympic programme review, part of Coventry’s “Fit For The Future” agenda, are expected to be announced later this year.
Meanwhile, Coventry, has given her clearest signal yet that Russia could be back for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
A day after the Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, said he wanted Russia reinstated to international football, Coventry used her opening address to the 145th IOC congress in Milan to argue that all athletes should be allowed to compete in sport regardless of their government’s behaviour.
Her comments are likely to cause tension with Ukraine after the country’s sports minister, Matvii Bidnyi, branded Infantino as “irresponsible” and “infantile” for attempting to draw a line between sport and politics before the IOC president ventured into the same territory.
“Throughout the campaign and in many of our conversations since, I have heard the same message from many of you: Focus on our core. We are a sports organisation.
“We understand politics and we know we don’t operate in a vacuum. But our game is sport. That means keeping sport a neutral ground. A place where every athlete can compete freely, without being held back by the politics or divisions of their governments” Coventry said of this. — The Guardian & UK Independent