IOC President Coventry defends Olympic neutrality

MILAN -- International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry defended on Friday the political neutrality of the Olympic Movement, stressing that the Games remain a powerful force for unity despite growing global tensions.

Speaking about concerns that the Olympic Games are becoming overly politicized, Coventry pointed to strong global engagement as evidence of their enduring appeal.

"When you look at the pure viewership numbers we are getting, it shows the Games can unify people," she told a press conference at the Main Press Center for the Milan-Cortina Winter Games.

"I wholeheartedly believe we still have a huge role to play to allow that to happen, and to show people what kindness and courage looks like."

Her remarks come amid heightened scrutiny over the intersection of sport and politics following the reported attendance of IOC Member and FIFA President Gianni Infantino at a meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump's so-called "Board of Peace".

Coventry said she had not been aware of the details prior to being asked, but reiterated the IOC's institutional stance.

"I wasn't aware we had an IOC Member front and center. I don't really have much to say about it," she said. "From the IOC's point of view, we will continue to be politically neutral."

"That is the only way for us to act as an organization to ensure we allow for fairness on the field of play, and that's what we will continue to do as we look to the future."

Coventry also confirmed that the IOC would review the matter. "Now that you have made us aware, we will go back and, of course, look into it. The Olympic Charter is very clear about what it expects from IOC Members, and we will go and research into the alleged signing of documents," she said.

Emphasizing the broader philosophy underpinning the Olympic Movement, Coventry warned against drifting away from its foundational ideals.

"It comes down to being able to stick very truly to our principles and values, and that is what we have tried to do. We have not just tried, we have done it, and that is really important," she said.

"Once you start straying from the values and principles of the Olympic Movement, you get into uncharted waters."