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Coventry Puts 2036 Olympic Host Selection on Hold and Unveils Reform Working Groups

She has commissioned two working groups to reshape host elections into a more transparent model with one charged to define gender eligibility criteria

Newly elected President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Kirsty Coventry attends her first Executive Board meeting at the Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland, June 25, 2025. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
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Olympic rings are pictured outside the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ahead of newly elected President Kirsty Coventry first Executive Board meeting at the Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland, June 25, 2025. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
Newly elected President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Kirsty Coventry attends her first Executive Board meeting at the Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland, June 25, 2025. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

Overview

  • Kirsty Coventry became the first woman and first African president of the IOC on June 23, 2025, and immediately signaled a shift toward greater member engagement.
  • The IOC paused the 2036 host city selection to conduct a comprehensive review of the election timeline and decision-making framework.
  • Coventry said two panels will be formed: one to examine member involvement and timing in awarding future Games and another to establish uniform gender eligibility rules in light of fragmented federation policies and the US president’s transgender athlete ban.
  • India’s bid team is still set to meet IOC officials next week and remains in contention for the 2036 Olympics under the revised process.
  • Coventry affirmed full federal and state support for the 2028 Los Angeles Games and vowed that the IOC will uphold its values during ongoing US travel and visa policy debates.