Two sports at risk of being removed from 2030 Olympic Games as proposed replacements revealed

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is reviewing two Winter Olympic sports for possible removal from the 2030 Games. The sports under consideration are Parallel Giant Slalom (PGS) in snowboarding and Nordic combined events. The IOC is evaluating them based on factors like cost, audience interest, gender balance, and global participation.

PGS has been part of the Olympics since 1998 but is criticized for lacking star athletes and sometimes having unpredictable results due to weather. Nordic combined, included since the first Winter Games in 1924, faces similar problems. It has low global participation, no women’s event at the Olympics yet, and a small TV audience. Medals are often dominated by a few countries, raising concerns about diversity.

While some sports may be removed, the IOC is also considering adding new ones. Potential additions include ski mountaineering, speed skiing, telemark, cross-country or cyclo-cross, and ice-cross. The final decision on which sports will be included or removed is expected by June 2026.

Edited using generative AI tools.
Source: https://www.unilad.com/news/sport/winter-olympics-2030-two-sports-risk-removal-ioc-257887-20260224

Comprehension

Which two sports are being considered for removal from the 2030 Winter Olympics?
Since when has PGS been part of the Olympics?
What issues does Nordic combined face according to the IOC?
Why is the IOC concerned about audience and participation for these sports?
What are some of the sports being considered for addition to future Games?

Discussion

Why do you think the IOC considers TV audience and star athletes when deciding which sports to keep?
How important is gender balance in deciding which sports are included in the Olympics?
Should the Olympics focus more on popular sports or traditional sports with a long history?
How could removing a sport affect athletes who train for it?
What challenges might new sports face when being added to the Olympics?
How do climate and weather conditions influence winter sports at the Olympics?
Should diversity of countries matter when choosing Olympic sports? Why or why not?
Do you think the Olympics should change every few years to reflect trends, or keep traditional events?

Vocabulary

Discipline – a specific type of sport or event in a competition
Audience – people who watch or follow a sporting event
Participation – the act of taking part in something
Gender-balanced – having fair representation of both men and women
Formal decision – an official choice made by an authority