Mixed biathlon relay possible for 2014 Winter Olympics
Biathlon
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 - By IBU
The IOC Executive Board announced that it is looking favorably at the inclusion of the Biathlon Mixed Relay into the program of the 2014 Olympic Winter Games. Before taking a final decision, the Executive Board would like to consider the outcome of the 2011 IBU World Championships in Khanty Mansiysk from 1 to 13 March 2011. The EB has empowered the IOC President to take the final decision on its behalf.
The request by IBU was analyzed by the Olympic Programme Commission from a technical standpoint and according to established criteria. Besides the inclusion of the Mixed Relay the commission also had to review several other requests from international winter sports federations.
The IOC EB also is looking favorably at the following events, postponing the final decision until after the respective World Championships this winter as well:
- Women's Ski Jumping
- Ski Halfpipe (Men and Women)
- Ski Slopestyle (Men and Women)
- Snowboard Slopestyle (Men and Women)
- Figure Skating Team Event
- Luge Team Relay
The key positive factors included whether the changes would increase universality, gender equity and youth appeal, and in general add value to the Games. Other considerations included the cost of infrastructure, and the impact on the overall quota and the number of events.