IOC 'reviewing future' of three popular Olympic sports as they 'could be dropped'
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina came to a close last weekend.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Olympics
Marcus Chan
Topics: Olympics
The International Olympic Committee are reportedly reviewing the future of three popular sports amid concerns they could be dropped from the programme.
Over the last few weeks, all eyes were on Milan and Cortina as the 2026 Winter Olympic Games took place.
The competition came to a close on Sunday, with Team USA winning the final gold medal by beating Canada in the men's ice hockey final.
In the end, Norway topped the table after winning 18 golds, 12 silvers and 11 bronzes. They were followed by Team USA, who won 12 golds, 12 silvers and nine bronzes.
Advert
The Netherlands were third, with host nation Italy in fourth place, Germany were fifth and France sixth.
Further down the table, Team GB were in 15th, having secured three golds, one silver and one bronze.
Looking ahead, it has been claimed that three popular winter sports could be dropped from the Olympic programme.
As reported by Eurosport, the IOC are reviewing the programme and insider Duncan Mackay has hinted at a possible reshuffle of sports.
Mackay stated that the new proposal includes the introduction of cyclocross or cross-country.
However, it also claimed that 'the sledge sports - bobsleigh, toboggan and skeleton could fly out'.
It is believed that the three above-mentioned sports are in danger due to category costs, environment and sustainability.
As per the report, the IOC president, Kirsty Coventry, said: "We have to be honest about what works and even more importantly, what doesn't work.
"We will be faced with difficult decisions and conversations - this is part of change."
If the skeleton is dropped, it could be bad news for Team GB, especially after Matt Weston's triumph in the men's individual event.
Speaking afterwards, Weston said: "It's an actual dream. I literally cannot put into words what this means. It means obviously a hell of a lot for me, but (also) everyone who had to sacrifice for me to be here, my fiancé, everyone like that.
"I’ve missed funerals, birthdays, everything to be here for this moment. Hopefully, I did everyone at home proud."
After coming out victorious in the individual event, Weston teamed up with Tabby Stoecker to win the mixed team gold.