MILAN – The Olympic Games must strengthen their role as an event that brings the world together in peace as conflicts around the world escalate, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Kirsty Coventry said on Sept 19.
Speaking after a final inspection visit in Milan ahead of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics in February, she sidestepped a question about Israel’s participation in the Games amid growing calls for sanctions due to the war in Gaza, saying that the Games must be a place of peaceful competition.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had said on Sept 15 that Israel and Russia should be banned from international sports competitions until “barbaric acts” end, referring to the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.
The IOC has banned Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing under their nation’s flag at the Olympics, following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“Now more than ever, our movement, the sports movement, has to showcase the good that is in humanity,” Coventry told a press conference.
“Remaining a beacon of hope, remaining a platform for athletes from around the world to be able to live out their dreams and for athletes to be able to help change perceptions.
“It is time to reaffirm that sport must unite the world, and we must do that.”
Pro-Palestinian protests have hit some recent sports events, including the Vuelta a Espana cycling race which was stopped last week by demonstrators at the final stage.
Israel has not been sanctioned for any major Games and Coventry added that she was confident athletes and fans would be safe at the Milano-Cortina Olympics, which start on Feb 6.
Israel generally sends a very small team to the Winter Games, with only a handful of athletes managing to qualify in winter sports.
“The priority for the organising committee, for the host country and for the IOC is to ensure safety of all our athletes and fans and anyone that comes into contact with the Games,” Coventry said.
Meanwhile, the IOC also announced that athletes from Russia will once more be allowed to compete at the 2026 global showpiece under a neutral banner, but only if they meet strict conditions.
“The Executive Board will take the exact same approach that was done in Paris,” said Coventry, referring to the 2024 Olympics where Russian athletes could only take part under a neutral flag and in individual events.
Those athletes were also required to undergo checks to prove they did not actively support the war in Ukraine or have any links with the army. REUTERS, AFP
