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IOC Considers Earlier Winter Games to Combat Warmer Temps
4 Feb
Summary
- Warmer temperatures may prompt earlier Winter Games staging.
- January staging could conflict with major sporting events.
- IOC reviewing climate change impact on future hosts.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is exploring the possibility of rescheduling future Winter Olympic Games to January and the Winter Paralympic Games to February. This significant adjustment is being considered due to the escalating challenge of warmer global temperatures affecting traditional Winter Games scheduling.
Currently, all Winter Games medal events have occurred in February since 1964. However, warmer conditions, particularly in March, can lead to snow melt, impacting competition. Moving the Winter Olympics to January presents potential conflicts with established World Cup races and popular professional sports leagues, including the NFL and NBA.
The IOC's "Fit For The Future" program is reviewing various Olympic issues, including climate change impacts on host city selection and competition organization. Decisions on these reviews, as well as potential new sports for the 2030 French Alps Winter Games, are expected in June.
