Proposals to include summer sports in the Winter Olympics would “water down” the Games, the body representing the existing disciplines said.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has established working groups to review aspects of both the Summer and Winter Games as part of its activities ‘Fit for the future’, external consultation under new president Kirsty Coventry.
World athletics chief Lord Coe previously indicated that cross-country running and cyclo-cross could be added to the Winter Olympics programme.
However, Winter Olympics Secretary General Colin Grahamslaw told BBC Sport that there are reservations about introducing sports that are “visually” summer sports.
“We think the Winter Games have a really good, strong visual identity of snow and ice. And we think that’s unique and worth preserving,” Grahamslaw said.
“I think the concern is that by introducing summer sports that may take place in the winter, but not on snow and ice, you’re diluting that brand.
“You dilute that identity. And visually it is not much different from what you can see at the summer games.”
BBC Sport has approached the IOC for comment.
The Olympic Charter currently states that “only sports practiced on snow or ice are considered winter sports”.
In 2023, the IOC said research showed that only ten countries will be able to host snow sports by 2040 due to the impact of climate change, and accepted “the need to adapt the Winter Olympics”.
Grahamslaw, who is also secretary of the World Curling Federation, said if the IOC wishes to increase the number of sports at the Winter Olympics, the Winter Olympics should be consulted.
The Winter Olympic Federations jointly represent the governing bodies of biathlon, bobsleigh and skeleton, ice hockey, luge, speed skating, skiing and snowboarding and curling.
“If there is capacity within the Winter Games for more sport, more action, more dynamics, then we can provide that from the snow and ice community,” the Briton added.
“You’re going to see ski mountaineering for the first time in Milan Cortina 2026, as part of the Winter Olympics. That’s a new dynamic sport that I think people can get behind and enjoy.
“If you look at hockey, they have a shortened version of three on three.”
The Winter Olympics said in a statement earlier this week that it is “fully committed” to “innovation, universality and strengthening the special and clearly differentiated appeal” of the Winter Olympics.
However, they said the Games would “not be better served by piecemeal proposals” such as the inclusion of summer disciplines.
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