Irish athletics might just find itself in uncharted territory by the end of the decade. Picture it now: Ireland sending stars not just to the Summer Olympics but also to the Winter Games. In five years’ time, the likes of Nick Griggs could be swapping the spikes for frozen mud, potentially becoming the first Irish athlete to appear at both Olympics. Far-fetched? Maybe not.
The reason? World Athletics President Sebastian Coe has re-itirated his ambition to see cross-country running join the Winter Olympic programme as early as 2030.
Several British newspaper outlets last week reported Coe as saying there is “a good chance” that cross-country (and cyclo-cross) could be added to the 2030 Winter Olympics in France. The idea, he explained, came out of a conversation with cycling chief David Lappartient about staging both disciplines on the same Alpine course. “David’s up for it. I’m up for it.”
For Coe, cross-country belongs in the colder months. “It is, ostensibly, a winter sport. Cross-country would make more sense in the winter.” He also underlined how the proposal could broaden the reach of the Winter Games, particularly for countries with little history in skiing or ice events. “It gives Africa a proper presence in the Winter Games, which, if we are being honest, it doesn’t really have.”
He added: “I’ve always wanted to see cross-country back in for all sorts of reasons, some emotional. But I actually think it’s a really important part of the progression for our endurance-based athletes. I think some of the younger coaches have slightly overlooked the role cross-country plays.”
Coe also pointed to IOC President Kirsty Coventry’s appetite for innovation, saying she is “prepared to think differently about the programme, and what could go out of the stadium, and that mix between winter and summer.” He continued: “I want to see more events out of the stadium.”
But here’s where a dose of cynicism is worth inserting. Coe has been singing this tune for years. Coe discussed cross-country at the Winter Games when he ran for the IAAF presidency back in 2015. Every few years the idea resurfaces with a fresh coat of paint, generating headlines and hopeful speculation, before slipping back into the long grass. So while it’s an intriguing thought experiment, there’s also a sense of déjà vu when you hear cross-country being touted as a possible Winter Olympic sport yet again.
For Ireland, a nation with a proud cross-country tradition, the prospect is still tantalising. From Fionnuala McCormack’s multiple European titles to Griggs’ rapid rise through the ranks and Euro U23 silver in Antalya last December, there’s no shortage of talent suited to mud, hills and biting cold. If the proposal does ever get over the line, it would create a pathway for Irish athletes to compete on both the summer track and the snow-slicked trails of the Winter Games.
Imagine the headlines: Irish fans roaring on their athletics heroes in Paris, Los Angeles… and some snow-dusted Alpine valley. It sounds like fantasy, but then again, Eddie Eagan once won Olympic gold in boxing and bobsleigh. Stranger things have happened.
Some will argue it is just speculation, but Seb Coe has started the conversation, again. Cross-country, could be about to find itself on the biggest winter stage of all. And if that happens, don’t bet against seeing Irish vests at the start line.
Quotes attributed to Sebastian Coe are from reports published in The Guardian, The Times, and The Telegraph on 2 October 2025.