Here is the new athletics sport at the Olympics - only details remain

At the end of July, the international athletics federation World Athletics decided to propose a mixed relay in terrain as a new branch for the Paris Olympics 2024.  

The proposal that was presented is that two men and two women run a 2.5 kilometer long distance twice each.  

Since the proposal was presented, it has been concretized and according to SVT Sports' source, who has insight into the athletics program at the Olympics, it will take a lot for the proposal not to become a reality.  

It is also supported by Jakob Larsen, who is competition manager at World Athletics.  

- There is a lot that speaks for this and not so much that speaks against, he says to SVT Sport. 

IOC: Nothing is clear

What remains is for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to make the decision officially in December this year. 

This is confirmed by Gunilla Lindberg, Secretary General of the Swedish Olympic Committee and IOC member for SVT Sport. 

- Nothing is clear, there is a proposal that we will decide on in December.

she says. 

"Perfect opportunity"

Right now, the exact location of the competitions and details in the regulations are being discussed. 

Jakob Larsen sees the IOC's attitude as "constructive and positive". 

- It can be said that everywhere in the world, even in Sweden, France and in other countries, yes the whole world, in fact, cross-country running is a branch on the rise.

Branches with many practitioners are also prioritized by the IOC, he says and continues: 

- In Paris, it will also be a hundred years since cross-country running was on the Olympic program.

It was also in Paris, which makes it a perfect opportunity for us. 

Mixed competitions are awarded

That it is a mixed relay that is introduced is also no coincidence.

Already for the Olympics in Tokyo 2020, 4x400 meters mixed will be added and previously mixed competitions have been added in other sports, such as biathlon and curling.   

Since you do not want more athletes at the Olympics in general, it is also positive that part of the starting field in cross-country running can consist of the same athletes as in the medium and long distance races on the track.

The IOC has previously set a ceiling for the number of active members, which is 10,500 athletes.

It was recently decided that the World Cup in cross-country running will be moved from odd years to even so that it will be decided the same year as the Olympic Games.