In Conversation with Johan Eliasch The Olympics Must Take Responsibility for the Planet

（May Zhao）As the race for IOC President intensifies, with candidates sprinting toward the final decision on the 20th of this month, the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee, invited us to conduct remote interviews with all seven IOC presidential candidates.

At a time when global sports face profound transformation and challenges, who will lead the Olympic Movement toward a future of fairness, sustainability, and unity? Johan Eliasch, 63-year-old President of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, offers a firm answer.

This is a moment that calls for vision and responsibility. “We only have one planet—there is no alternative,” he declares. As an environmental pioneer and advocate of Olympic reform, Eliasch promises, “I always ensure my carbon offsets exceed my emissions by more than ten times.”

When I spoke with Eliasch and Kirsty Coventry, I was also covering the opening day of the United Nations Environment Assembly. Naturally, my questions focused on nature conservation and sustainability. Their responses became my best contribution to the UN conference.

May Zhao:

How do you view the role of the Olympic Games within the global sports ecosystem, particularly in promoting the long-term sustainable development of both winter sports and the Games themselves?

Johan Eliasch:

I believe the IOC can play a major role here. If we look back at the past 30 years, government efforts have largely failed to deliver, and I think there is broad consensus on that. In the end, it’s up to each of us to drive change.

This planet wasn’t designed to sustain the current lifestyle of 8.5 billion people. We have only one Earth—any other solution is too distant. We must protect what we have. Through sports and the Olympic Movement, we can spread the message and strengthen public education, creating a huge impact on climate action.

May Zhao:

If elected President of the IOC, what would be your top priorities for reform?

Johan Eliasch:

We are at a key moment of technological change. Artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies are reshaping how we reach audiences, offering limitless possibilities for personalized experiences. I believe that within the next few years, AR glasses will allow viewers to watch sports events and films seamlessly, anytime, anywhere, customized to their preferences.

The IOC must stay at the cutting edge of technology to be the partner of choice for brands and sponsors. Technology will be essential. We also need to engage audiences of all ages, especially the younger generation. Remaining relevant to them is central to everything the IOC must do moving forward.

As an environmental advocate, Eliasch is particularly focused on sustainability, making several key points:

•Climate change is an existential threat to winter sports. He insists the sports community must act now to avoid environmental disaster.

•He supports a rotation system for hosting the Winter Olympics, limiting them to a few core cities. This approach avoids unnecessary venue construction and promotes sustainable resource use.

•For the Summer Games, he advocates flexible scheduling based on host conditions, ensuring coordination with international sports federations to address climate challenges.

•He believes the sports community should use its global influence to promote climate action, leveraging events and athletes to inspire collective efforts.

•On criticism over his private jet use, Eliasch states that his carbon offsets exceed his emissions by more than ten times. He emphasizes optimized travel plans and rigorous adherence to his sustainability commitments.

•He maintains that the Olympic Movement should lead the transformation of the global sports ecosystem toward sustainability, particularly in winter sports.

Other highlights from the conversation include Eliasch’s views on:

1.Women’s sports must be protected based on science, free from ideological influence. Gender equality in prize money, representation, and decision-making must be ensured.

2.The Olympics should uphold its core values, avoid prize money, and focus on optimizing events and formats for peak competition and entertainment.

3.Culture and art are vital to the Olympic spirit. Integrating technology can enhance public engagement.

4.The Olympics should lead the global sports ecosystem, simplifying structures, achieving more with fewer resources, and advancing sustainability.

5.The principle of neutrality must be upheld to safeguard athletes’ rights and prevent political interference.

6.Doping and match-fixing must be strictly opposed. He rejects unsafe “enhanced” competitions that compromise fairness.

7.Digitization and AI should be harnessed to improve audience experiences, attract younger fans, and expand Olympic influence.

8.The Olympic Games should extend to new regions, including Africa and India, supporting grassroots development and expanding global participation.

9.Governance transparency, innovation, and press freedom must be promoted to ensure media plays a vital role in Olympic coverage.