The principles for the qualification system for the Los Angeles Olympic Games have been approved, along with the appointment of the President for the 2028 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Organizing Committee.
In preparation for the upcoming XXV Winter Olympic Games, the IOC Executive Board convened in Milan to address various matters concerning the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and the Winter Youth Olympic Games set to take place in the Dolomiti Valtellina region of Italy.
In particular, additional qualification systems for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles were approved. Initially, 26 qualification systems were approved last December, and now an additional 22 have been added. There are still six more systems to be presented at a future meeting of the IOC Executive Board.
“The LA28 qualification systems ensure athletes have multiple opportunities to qualify, maintain continental and universal representation, and aim to minimize travel demands for athletes and teams,” the IOC said.
This decision on the qualification systems for LA28 has been taken earlier by the IOC EB compared to previous editions of the Games, thus providing NOCs, athletes and entourage members with earlier visibility and longer timelines to prepare for their participation in the competitions.
Regarding the 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games, a new President of the organizing committee was appointed during the meeting. Manuela Di Centa, a celebrated cross-country skiing champion and IOC honorary member, will be leading the charge. She clinched two gold medals at the Lillehammer 1994 Games.
“She brings extensive experience in sports governance and public service, and will guide the Games with a focus on youth development and Olympic legacy,” the IOC press release said.
The qualification system principles prioritize the use of existing IF competitions and rankings, limiting the need for stand-alone qualification events in order to reduce costs for athletes, National Olympic Committees and National Federations.
“The IOC Sports Department will work closely with the relevant IFs and the IOC Sport Entries and Qualifications team to finalize the individual qualification systems for each sport”, — the IOC informed.
It is important to remember that this is not the conclusion of the official events leading up to the XXV Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The 145th IOC Session is scheduled for February 3-4, where all committee members will gather to discuss key issues and make significant decisions. For instance, during the last session, Kirsty Coventry was elected as the new President of the organization, and prior to that, the host city for the 2028 Youth Olympic Games was approved.
