DAILY PRESS BRIEFING

Summary by Andy Miah

📍 Main Media Centre, Milan
🗓️ 8 February

🎤 Speakers

• Mark Adams — IOC Spokesperson

• Pierre Ducrey — IOC Sports Director

• Anna Riccardi — Sports Director

• Luca Casassa — Games Operations Communications Director

📰 Key Questions & Answers

🏒 NHL & Elite Athlete Participation

Q (Reuters): With NHL players returning, how will the IOC ensure continuity?
A (Ducrey): The priority is building sustained relationships with leagues and stakeholders to support long-term cooperation and consistent participation.

⚖️ Mixed-Gender Events

Q: With few mixed events, is the IOC working to expand them?
A (Ducrey): Mixed events must make sporting and audience sense. They are considered where they add value, such as in skeleton and ski mountaineering, and only where they are recognised and supported by international federations.

📱 Influencers & Athlete Media Rights

Q: With the rise of influencers and athlete content on TikTok, is the IOC changing media rules?
A (Adams): The broadcast landscape is evolving. A small, controlled group of around 30 influencers has been accredited. Athletes now have slightly more flexibility, but rights holders must remain protected. Any loosening of rules is carefully managed.

⛷️ Nordic Combined (Olympic Status)

Q: Is Nordic Combined in danger of being removed from the Olympics?
A (Ducrey): The sport is being reviewed after the Games. The IOC is examining options and future formats before making any decisions.

✊ Protests & Demonstrations

Q: How does the IOC respond to demonstrations against the Games?
A (Casassa): Sport is based on dialogue and mutual respect. Peaceful protest is legitimate, but violent demonstrations are unacceptable.
A (Adams): The IOC supports lawful protest but draws a firm line at violence. Authorities handled the situation well.

🚻 Gender Equality

Q: Will the Winter Games reach gender parity by 2036?
A (Ducrey): Gender balance is a delicate issue. The IOC is trying to understand the pathway to 50/50 participation. The goal is to ensure balance develops organically and sustainably, rather than through artificial measures.

🇮🇱 Security & Israeli Athletes

Q: Are there specific security measures for Israeli athletes at the Opening Ceremony?
A (Adams): Security is the responsibility of local authorities, working in coordination with the IOC.

Q: Was an Israeli bobsled stolen in the Olympic Village?
A (Adams): The incident occurred at pre-Games accommodation, not in the Village.
A (Casassa): Had no further details to add.
A (Adams): The IOC will assist where possible.

🎭 Political Displays in Venues

Q: How does the IOC handle political displays by spectators?
A (Adams): Ticket terms and conditions govern behaviour. The aim is for fans to enjoy the events. Minor infringements are managed on-site. If no action was taken, it suggests the behaviour did not cross enforcement thresholds.

👩‍🦰 Women’s Nordic Combined

Q: What criteria will determine the future of women’s Nordic Combined?
A (Ducrey): Key factors include universality, excellence at the top level, depth of competition, and audience interest. The discipline has faced historical challenges. Current low participation numbers remain a concern.

🚍 Sports Operations & Logistics

Q: What operational changes are being made?
A (Ducrey): The IOC continuously learns from issues to avoid repetition.
A (Riccardi): Early transport disruptions have improved. Energy and staffing challenges were present but are now stabilised through daily resets.

🎥 Broadcasting, Drones & Technology

Q: Do drones and new broadcast technologies disrupt athletes?
A (Ducrey): Modern audiences expect immersive coverage. International federations indicate drones do not significantly impact performance. Broadcasting is not an obstacle but part of ongoing dialogue.
A (Riccardi): Athlete sensitivity varies. So far, there have been no formal complaints that would justify removing drones.

🇷🇺 Russian Coach Accreditation

Q: Is the IOC comfortable with the presence of a Russian coach accredited via Georgia?
A (Adams): Comfort is not the issue. WADA investigated and found no actionable evidence. Measures have been strengthened around athlete entourages. Further action would require new evidence.

🧪 Calls for Further Investigation

Q: Should there be another independent investigation?
A (Adams): Responsibility lies with WADA as the competent authority.

🏛️ IOC–US Government Relations

Q: What is the nature of IOC relations with US officials?
A (Adams): The relationship with the administration is positive and supportive. Discussions focused on ensuring the success of Milan 2026.

🚨 ICE & Protest Rumours

Q: Are US immigration authorities involved in Games security?
A (Adams): There is no ICE presence on the ground. Their role is purely administrative in Rome. Some protests were based on misunderstandings.