Australia’s most decorated Olympians among those demanding ‘care of our planet’ remains top priority for all future hosts

LA will host the next Olympics coming after fires devastated the city that prompted a host of Games legends to call for drastic change.

Australian Olympic great Emma McKeon has joined 22 compatriots and more than 400 Olympians from around the world in demanding the International Olympic Committee make climate action and the “the care of our planet” their top priority for all future events.

The Olympians, from more than 80 countries, have signed a letter sent to the IOC ahead of a meeting in Greece where they will vote for one of the seven candidates for IOC president next week.

Labelling climate change “no longer a distant threat but a current and growing harm to the sports we love”, the long list of Olympic stars, including Australian gold medallists Matt Wearn and Lydia Lassila, the letter asks for four key promises from the IOC including:

• Strengthening commitments to swiftly cut carbon emissions,

• Championing sustainable practices in host cities,

• Setting a standard regarding high polluting sponsorships,

• Using the IOC’s platform to advocate for broader environmental action.

Emma McKeon, Australian’s most successful Olympian, wants action on climate change. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Citing the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, the city that will host the next Games in 2028, the signatories in the letter says climate change is “already disrupting competition schedules, putting iconic venues at risk and affecting the health of athletes and fans”.

“This year’s devastating wildfires in Los Angeles – host city of the 2028 Olympic Games – are a stark reminder of why bold action is needed. Extreme heat is raising real concerns about whether Summer Games can be held safely in future years, and Winter Games are becoming harder to organise with reliable snow and ice conditions diminishing annually,” the letter states.

“This is no longer a distant threat but a current and growing harm to the sports we love and to the countries that make up our Olympic family.

Sailor Matt Wearn won gold in Paris. Picture: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Matt Wearn, a double Olympic champion and Australia’s flag bearer at the Paris 2024 Games, said “we need real action”.

“Sailors know that you can’t control the wind, but you can adjust your course,” he said.

“Climate change is already reshaping our oceans, weather patterns and the sports we love – but just talking about the problem isn’t going to sort it. We need real action. The next IOC president has a responsibility to lead from the front, steering the Olympic movement toward meaningful solutions that protect our planet for future generations.”

The seven candidates to be the next IOC president include Lord Sebastian Coe.

Originally published as Australia’s most decorated Olympians among those demanding ‘care of our planet’ remains top priority for all future hosts