Sebastian Coe is advocating for the reinstatement of cross-country running in the Olympics, targeting the 2030 Winter Games. As the head of World Athletics, Coe has persistently pushed for the sport’s inclusion, noting the positive shift in approach by the new International Olympic Committee president, Kirsty Coventry.
Discussing potential venues, Coe mentioned the possibility of introducing cross-country to the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps or considering Salt Lake City for the following edition. Cross-country was last featured in the Summer Olympics in 1924 but was discontinued due to extreme conditions causing heat exhaustion. Reintroducing it in the Winter Games could mitigate such challenges and promote broader participation, particularly from African nations with a strong potential in the sport.
Coe highlighted the need for a simple amendment to the Olympic charter to enable winter sports to be eligible for inclusion in the program. His involvement in the IOC’s new Olympic program working group further supports exploring ways to adjust the event’s scope and integrate traditional sports across different Olympic editions.
Looking ahead, Coe expressed support for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics’ plan to host track events in the opening week. While details of the schedule are pending, Coe praised the prospect of showcasing athletics early in the Games, drawing on his positive experiences from the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics where he clinched a gold medal.
Additionally, a new competition named RUN X, featuring a world treadmill championship, was unveiled, emphasizing the convergence of technology and global running communities. Coe also anticipated the inaugural Ultimate Championships in Budapest, Hungary, scheduled for September 11-13 next year. This three-day event will spotlight renowned champions in Olympic, world, and Diamond League competitions in a condensed format tailored for television broadcasts.
Notably, World Athletics is committed to supporting host cities by allocating ticket sales and sponsorships locally, fostering community engagement and event success at the grassroots level.
