With just 16 days until the Milan-Cortina 2026, IOC President Kirsty Coventry voiced confidence in the Games' successful delivery, citing positive test events and close coordination with organizers. While noting that the geographically dispersed venue model enhances sustainability, she acknowledged added operational complexity and said a post-Games review will assess costs and benefits.

BEIJING, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- With 16 days to go until the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympic Winter Games, International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry said on Wednesday she was confident the Games would be successfully staged, while acknowledging the operational challenges posed by geographically dispersed venues.

During an online press conference, Coventry said, "We're 16 days countdown, so we're all very excited. A lot of the IOC team are already in Milan, Cortina, myself, and the team will be arriving on Monday."

"I'm getting really excited about being able to get there and see the blend of tradition and innovation, the beautiful venues," she added.

On preparations, she said, "We've seen really good test events. The organizing committee are working very closely with all of the IOC departments on the last few areas that they need to focus on."

She also said she was looking forward to the opening ceremony. "I think it is going to be incredible and the Italian creativity is going to be fully shown. So make sure you're all a part of it."

Milan-Cortina 2026 is expected to be among the most geographically dispersed Winter Olympics, with venues spread across four clusters and eight locations in Italy.

Coventry said the model can strengthen sustainability but adds complexity.

"If we look at how the model is set up today, I do believe that we took the right decision in having a more dispersed games, but I think we can all say very openly and honestly, it has added additional complexities for media, transport, the IOC and the OBS."

Coventry said a post-Games evaluation will weigh sustainability benefits against increased costs and operational complexity.

IOC Olympic Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi said significant work remains at some venues, but said it is manageable.

On the Cortina sliding center, Dubi said core systems are operational.

"Yes a lot. But it's not complex work, so anything that has to do with any of the systems, especially for the track refrigeration, electricity, timing, scoring, all this is in place," he said, referring to remaining work.

He added, "Now what I saw while walking is still a lot of finishing touches. Some concrete pavements, for additional tents, for hospitality, some groundwork to get the venue ready for spectators where currently it's a bit patchy when you walk. But it's not complex. And they have a lot of people working."

On the Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, which held a test event from January 9 to 11, Dubi said the venue is pushing toward completion.

"It started late. The great objectives of having the best conditions for the Games for the athletes. It means all hands on deck, 1,600 workers a day in the venue to get it ready," he said.

Coventry also addressed the protection of women's sports, saying a dedicated working group is studying ways to further protect and promote women's participation. She said the 145th IOC Session, scheduled during the Games, will not make decisions on the issue.  ■