The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is navigating a complex prelude to the 2026 Winter Olympics set to be held in Milan and Cortina, Italy, amidst external controversies capturing attention. At a recent press conference in Milan, IOC President Kirsty Coventry confronted questions concerning issues unrelated to the sporting events including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) involvement and revelations emerging from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation files.
Addressing the persistent focus on these contentious topics, Coventry remarked on their overshadowing effect on the Olympic narrative. She expressed her regret that these stories have diverted public attention from the forthcoming Games, stating, "I think anything that is distracting from these Games is sad, right? But we’ve learned over the many years … there’s always been something that has taken the lead, leading up to the Games." She cited prior examples such as the Zika virus outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic as past disruptions that ultimately gave way to a renewed focus on the athletes and the spirit of the Olympics once competition commenced.
Coventry conveyed optimism about the upcoming Winter Games, anticipating that the opening ceremony will re-center world attention on the magic and inspiration associated with Olympic competition. "When that opening ceremony happens and those athletes start competing, suddenly the world remembers the magic and the spirit that the games have and they get to suddenly remember what’s actually important and they get to be inspired," she explained.
Public dissent was tangible in Milan recently, where hundreds assembled to protest the involvement of ICE agents linked to security preparations for the Olympics. Protestors expressed dissatisfaction despite clarifications that the agents would operate within a control room setting, without direct street deployment.
Questions about security arrangements and the potential implications of the Epstein files—specifically emails from 2003 involving Casey Wasserman, head of the Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee, and Ghislaine Maxwell—prompted cautious responses. Coventry deferred commentary, affirming that relevant U.S. and international authorities had addressed the matter adequately and that the IOC had no further statements beyond publicly released clarifications.
Regarding Wasserman’s role, she noted, "We didn’t discuss it yesterday and I believe Mr. Wasserman has put out his statement and we now have nothing further to add." Two IOC members mentioned in the documents, Richard Carrion and Johan Eliasch, were noted although no wrongdoing was suggested. Coventry acknowledged awareness of media reports regarding IOC members and indicated ongoing monitoring to ensure appropriate responses once more information is available.
Coventry’s leadership, having commenced slightly over ten months ago as the IOC’s first female president, prioritizes the Milan Cortina Games despite distractions. "The focus has fully been on Milano Cortina, there’s been a number of things that we’ve been focusing on here," Coventry affirmed.
The 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled from February 6 through 22. A significant U.S. delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, is slated to attend, including the opening ceremony on February 6. The IOC aims to emphasize unifying Olympic values and the celebration of athletic achievements despite the challenges entailed by surrounding controversies.