Following the meeting of its Executive Board in London on Wednesday, 6th April, the International Olympic Committee has confirmed the inclusion of a total of six new events on the program of the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014. The newly added events which are FIS events are Freestyle Ski halfpipe (men and ladies) and ladies’ Ski Jumping, along with Biathlon mixed relay, Figure Skating team event and Luge team relay.
Five other FIS events under consideration – the Alpine nation’s team event, Freestyle Ski slopestyle (men and ladies) and Snowboard slopestyle (men and ladies) remain subject to a further feasibility study. A decision on the inclusion of these five events will be made within the coming months following further work among FIS technical experts, representatives of the Sochi 2014 organizing committee and the International Olympic Committee.
The IOC especially cited the attractiveness and popularity among the young generations as well as the spectacular, high level in both the men’s and ladies competition as the benefits of Freestyle Ski halfpipe events. Considering the ladies’ Ski Jumping, the IOC referred to the significant increase in the technical capability by a much broader group of competitors from more nations than when it was considered for the previous Games.
“FIS is pleased about the IOC’s decision to include ladies’ Ski Jumping and Freestyle Ski halfpipe in the Sochi 2014 Games. Both of these events have clearly demonstrated their merits in being part of the Olympic winter program,” said FIS President Gian Franco Kasper. “We remain confident that the other FIS events requiring additional technical study will also be accepted, given their high appeal especially to younger audiences.”