IOC President Kirsty Coventry assured that sports and medal events that are eliminated from the Brisbane 2032 program will have a way to return in subsequent editions. The statement came on Wednesday during the annual meeting of summer sports bodies (ASOIF) in Lausanne.
“There is a way (back), it’s not just an end,” Coventry told The Associated Press.
The warning follows his comments in February, when he anticipated “uncomfortable” conversations to make the Games more efficient. The IOC seeks to define in months the list of sports for Brisbane, which will be smaller than the 36 in Los Angeles 2028. The 353 medal events in Los Angeles could also be reduced.
“I know that not everyone will be happy. The objective is not to destroy any sport,” Coventry acknowledged before the ASOIF members.
What changes are expected at the Brisbane Games?
The key criterion will be the number of locations necessary. Coventry explained that the cost and complexity increases when adding single-purpose venues. A crucial step will be the IOC plenary meeting on June 24 in Lausanne, where the evaluation process will be agreed. The list of sports could be confirmed in December, and the detailed testing program until 2029.
The 36 sports in Los Angeles represent an increase compared to the 26 in London 2012. Ingmar de Vos, president of ASOIF, acknowledged that “it has grown too much and must be returned to an appropriate proportion.”
Los Angeles 2028 Update
LA28 organizing committee officials updated the federations. Shana Ferguson, head of sports, said they are ready and will soon reveal the location of the cycling road races, a key event to showcase the city. Regarding income, De Vos called for “fair and sustainable models” for members. The IOC paid $590 million of Paris 2024 proceeds, 9% more than Tokyo. Each sport could achieve efficiencies, and De Vos suggested the IOC should also review its own operations.
