Sebastian Coe is advocating for the inclusion of cross-country running in the 2030 Winter Olympics. The president of World Athletics has long pushed for this event to be part of the Olympic program and believes that the new International Olympic Committee president, Kirsty Coventry, is open to exploring new possibilities.
Coe expressed his enthusiasm for the potential reintroduction of cross-country running at the Winter Olympics, suggesting it could take place in the French Alps in 2030 or in Salt Lake City in 2034. The sport was previously part of the Summer Olympics until 1924 when it was removed due to extreme heat and course conditions.
By adding cross-country running to the Winter Games, Coe believes it would address past challenges and enhance inclusivity, particularly for African nations. He emphasized the opportunity to diversify the Winter Games by incorporating a sport that is not traditionally associated with the event.
To include cross-country running in future Olympics, Coe highlighted the need for a straightforward amendment to the Olympic charter. He is actively involved in the IOC’s Olympic program working group, tasked with evaluating event size and the potential inclusion of new sports.
Looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Coe supports the early scheduling of track events during the first week of the Games. Reflecting on his own Olympic experience in Los Angeles in 1984, where he secured a gold medal, Coe commended the city’s contributions to modernizing the Games, particularly in areas like broadcasting rights and venue sustainability.
Additionally, Coe announced the upcoming RUN X event, featuring a world treadmill championship with qualifying rounds leading to a live final. He highlighted the event’s focus on technology, global running community growth, and the connection between athletics and the broader sports landscape.
Excitement is building for the inaugural Ultimate Championships set to take place in Budapest, Hungary, over three days in September. Coe described the event as a condensed world championship aimed at attracting television viewership, with a focus on showcasing top track and field athletes. World Athletics is committed to supporting the host city by providing ticket sales and sponsorships, encouraging local engagement and success.
