International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry attends the IOC Executive Board press conference at the main press center of Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Italy, Feb. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Du Xiaoyi)
MILAN, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games offered useful lessons during the planning phase for Milan-Cortina 2026, particularly in the increased use of technology in venue development, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry said at a press conference here on Sunday.
"Beijing 2022 showed us how to use existing facilities in different ways, and we've been able to do that here," Coventry said. "It's been tried and tested and has been successful. We'll continue to do that in the future."
Coventry expressed pride during her first Olympic Games as the IOC chief. "There is so much to be excited about aside from iconic venues and the incredible organizing committee. We are going to see remarkable athletes live out their Olympic dreams. That's the best part of the Olympic Games. They showcase and inspire us."
She said that everything about the Games' preparations is going smoothly. "The Milano-Cortina Organizing Committee, ourselves and all the stakeholders are working very well together. We are exactly where we need to be."
Milan-Cortina 2026, to be held from February 6 to 22, is set to be the most widespread Winter Olympics in history, spanning multiple regions and two host cities.
"It's a little bit more spread out. That decision was to be adaptable to the new norms, including climate change. We have not had any challenges so far," Coventry said, noting that local organizers have given the best possible opportunities to all stakeholders to be as successful as in any other Games.
"I am very excited about the Games. They will be at world-class venues, at the most iconic and beautiful places in Italy, and I think the athletes are going to have a fantastic time," she added. ■
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry (C) attends the IOC Executive Board press conference at the main press center of Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Italy, Feb. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Du Xiaoyi)
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry (C, back) attends the IOC Executive Board press conference at the main press center of Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Italy, Feb. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Du Xiaoyi)
Olympic Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi attends the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board press conference at the main press center of Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Italy, Feb. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Du Xiaoyi)
International Olympic Committee (IOC) Director of NOC Relations, Olympic Solidarity & Olympism365 James Macleod attends the IOC Executive Board press conference at the main press center of Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Italy, Feb. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Du Xiaoyi)
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry attends the IOC Executive Board press conference at the main press center of Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Italy, Feb. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Du Xiaoyi)
