Sebastian Coe is advocating for the inclusion of a cross-country running race at the 2030 Winter Olympics. The president of World Athletics has been a proponent of this event’s presence in the Olympics and commends the willingness of the new International Olympic Committee president, Kirsty Coventry, to explore innovative approaches.
Expressing optimism for potential changes, Coe mentioned discussions about introducing the cross-country event at the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps or possibly in Salt Lake City in the subsequent years. Cross-country running was part of the Summer Olympics until 1924 but was removed due to extreme conditions. Moving it to the Winter Games could resolve previous issues and offer more inclusivity, particularly for African nations that have the potential to excel in the sport.
Coe highlighted the need for a simple amendment to the Olympic charter to allow winter sports to be eligible for inclusion in the program. His role in the IOC’s new Olympic program working group strengthens his influence in evaluating the event’s size and potential crossovers for traditional sports in each Olympics.
In anticipation of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Coe supports the scheduling of track events in the first week. He reminisced about his participation in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, where he clinched the gold medal and set a Games record in the 1,500 meters.
A new event called RUN X was recently announced, featuring the world treadmill championship. This competition will comprise qualifying five-kilometer events leading to a live final, with the top male and female competitors advancing. Coe emphasized the importance of technology in expanding the global running community.
Additionally, Coe is looking forward to the inaugural Ultimate Championships in Budapest, Hungary, scheduled for September 11-13 next year. The three-day event will showcase elite champions over evening sessions, focusing on TV viewership. With only semifinals and finals in most track events and limited participants in field events, this championship aims to engage the host city through ticket and sponsorship incentives.
