"The Winter Olympic Federations believe the future of the Olympic Winter Games is not better served by piecemeal proposals, such as the inclusion of Summer IFs' non-Olympic disciplines. Such an approach would dilute the brand, heritage, and identity that make the Olympic Winter Games unique-a celebration of sports practiced on snow and ice,"
"Rumors about incorporating non-winter disciplines emerged during the IOC's "Fit for the Future" consultation process, launched in 2025 by President Kirsty Coventry to modernize the Olympic Movement. An Olympic Programme Working Group was established to explore crossover opportunities between summer and winter sports, prompting proposals from summer federations to add events like cyclocross and cross-country running to the Winter Olympics."
"However, Winter Olympic Federations have resisted, arguing that the Games' identity depends on showcasing sports practiced exclusively on snow and ice, emphasizing that innovation should develop organically within winter sports to preserve the Winter Olympics' distinctive heritage."
Seven Winter Olympic Federations, including FIS, ISU and IBU, issued a unified statement opposing the inclusion of non-winter disciplines from Summer Olympic federations. The federations argued that adding summer events would dilute the Winter Olympics' brand, heritage and identity and undermine the Games' focus on sports practiced on snow and ice. The statement followed the IOC's "Fit for the Future" consultation and the Olympic Programme Working Group, which prompted proposals such as cyclocross and cross-country running. The federations urged that innovation should arise within winter sports to preserve the distinct character of the Winter Olympics.
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