What did FIS President Johan Eliasch say about the Winter Olympics?

Johan Eliasch warned that the Winter Olympics should not be diluted with novelty events and must remain rooted in snow and ice.

Which sports are being considered for the 2030 Winter Games?

The International Cycling Union (UCI) is campaigning for cyclocross to be added to the 2030 Winter Games program.

Why does Johan Eliasch oppose adding new sports to the Winter Olympics?

Eliasch believes that straying from the core identity of snow and ice risks weakening the Games' appeal and that quality of athletes is more important than quantity of sports.

Home / Sports / FIS Chief: Winter Olympics Must Stick to Snow & Ice

FIS Chief: Winter Olympics Must Stick to Snow & Ice

6 Jan

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Summary

FIS president warns against diluting Winter Olympics with novelty events.
Core identity of snow and ice is crucial for brand appeal.
Focus should be on quality of athletes, not quantity of sports.

FIS Chief: Winter Olympics Must Stick to Snow & Ice

Johan Eliasch, president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), has strongly advocated for preserving the traditional snow and ice foundation of the Winter Olympics. He expressed concerns that introducing non-traditional or 'novelty' events could dilute the Games' core identity and ultimately diminish their global appeal.

Eliasch argued that maintaining brand integrity is paramount for any successful format. He stated that the Olympic Charter itself defines the Games as being centered on snow and ice. While open to possibilities, he asserted that the priority must be on showcasing the highest caliber of athletes and sports, emphasizing quality over quantity to ensure the event's success.

Furthermore, Eliasch pointed to existing challenges in securing elite participation in some Olympic sports, citing ice hockey and football as examples where top players are not always present. He believes the focus should be on delivering an exceptional viewing experience through top-tier performance, fan engagement, and quality venues, ensuring relevance beyond the Olympic fortnight.