Coe supports 2030 cross-country inclusion – „inside the games“

The World Athletics chief and Olympic medallist has confirmed that he has discussed the possibility with IOC President Kirsty Coventry, who is reportedly open to exploring new ideas. He described it as a ‚good opportunity‘.

Cross-country running was part of the Summer Olympics until 1924, and now, over a century later, its return is becoming a possibility. However, it could make its comeback as part of the Winter Olympics for two main reasons.

Firstly, the temperatures and conditions during the Winter Olympics are more suitable for the discipline. Secondly, the IOC is keen to introduce innovations that will make the format of the Games more appealing, and the inclusion of new sports is currently under consideration.

Over the weekend, Sebastian Coe travelled to New York for the city’s marathon, one of the most prestigious in the world and part of the elite ‚Majors‘ series. There, he spoke to the Associated Press, confirming that the idea is being seriously considered.

WA Präsident Sebastian Coe – Photo: Giancarlo Colombo@PhotoRun Victah1111@aol.com

„The new president has made it clear that, for now, everything is on the table. It’s a very different atmosphere. It’s much more about how we can improve together than being told what to do. She’s breathed new life into the organisation,“ he told AP.

He explained that discussions suggest the event could debut at the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps, but if not, it could be introduced at the Salt Lake City Games four years later. „The Winter Games aren’‘ African. They don’t feel African,“ said Coe.

African athletes are extremely rare at the Winter Olympics, for obvious reasons, as the continent lacks the snow and ice sporting traditions found elsewhere. Including cross-country running would give generations of African athletes, many of whom specialise in the discipline, the chance to become Olympians. No African athlete has ever won a Winter Olympic medal, so this would represent a significant change.

This is not a new idea. A working group created by Coventry to ‚boost‘ the programme of the Games has long been exploring ways to make the Winter Olympics more attractive.

• part-outline –  By Marcos Menocal Pareja – „inside the games“
• Tuesday, 4 November 2025