'Brisbane 2032: Sports Cut? Maybe Not Forever'

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) president, Kirsty Coventry, addressed global sports leaders with a forward‑looking plan for Brisbane 2032. She emphasized that any sport removed from this edition of the Games could reappear in later editions—no permanent cuts are being made.

Key Points

• Easier, Cheaper Games
  Coventry insists that future Olympics must be simpler to run and more affordable. Her aim is a leaner program than the 36 sports slated for Los Angeles 2028.

• Reduced Medal Events
  Brisbane may feature fewer than 353 medal events, a deliberate move to cut the number of required venues and, consequently, costs.

• All Sports Stay Alive
  While some athletes will be disappointed by the streamlined roster, the overarching goal is to keep every sport alive in some form across future Games.

• Venue‑Savings Strategy
  Fewer venues mean less money spent and reduced logistical complexity—an essential step toward a more sustainable Olympics.

Decision Timeline

• June Meeting: A pivotal conference will determine the program for Brisbane and beyond.
• September Announcement: The finalized list of sports will be revealed, with detailed schedules following shortly.

Sports at Risk

• Modern Pentathlon: Historically vulnerable to removal.
• New Additions: Sports such as flag football and squash, introduced in Los Angeles, must prove their worth to secure a place in Brisbane.

Broader Impact

Coventry paused the 2036 Olympic bid process last year, opening the door for Qatar as a potential host. This decision will reverberate across the entire region, reshaping the Olympic landscape.