Lyon Embraces New Olympic Discipline: Synchronized Figure Skating at 2030 Winter Games
Lyon, France – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially announced on Monday, July 6, 2026, the finalized list of disciplines for the 2030 Winter Olympics. Among the significant changes, synchronized figure skating will make its debut, with Lyon confirmed as the host city for this exciting new event. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the city, which will now encompass the entire ice sports cluster, initially planned for Nice.
Edgar Grospiron, President of the Alpes 2030 Organizing Committee, emphasized the IOC’s commitment to renewal and inclusivity. “The retained sports program reflects the Games’ ability to renew themselves while remaining true to their DNA. These additions illustrate the desire to open the Games to new practices and new audiences,” Grospiron stated in a press release issued on Tuesday, July 7.
Expanded Ice Sports in Lyon
The inclusion of synchronized figure skating further expands Lyon’s role in the 2030 Winter Olympics. The city is already slated to host 75 hockey matches, 150 curling events, nine short-track sessions, and 16 figure skating sessions. The new synchronized skating events are expected to be held across prominent venues such as the LDLC Arena in Décines-Charpieu, the Halle Tony Garnier, and the Eurexpo convention center in Chassieu, leveraging Lyon’s robust infrastructure.
A Leap Towards Gender Parity
The 2030 Winter Olympics are set to be groundbreaking in terms of gender representation. Following the precedent set by the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, these will be the first Winter Games to achieve near-perfect gender parity, with 3,046 athletes comprising 1,525 women and 1,521 men. Grospiron hailed this as a significant step forward: “This is a major advance that testifies to the evolution of sport and its ability to better represent the talents and ambitions of all athletes.”
While synchronized figure skating and freeride (ski and snowboard) are welcomed into the Olympic fold, Nordic combined will not be part of the 2030 Games. This strategic shift by the IOC aims to modernize the Olympic program and attract a broader audience.
Lyon’s Growing Prominence in International Sports
Lyon has previously hosted major synchronized skating events, including the Masters of the discipline in November 2025, demonstrating its capability and experience in organizing high-profile ice sports competitions. This history, combined with its state-of-the-art facilities, positions Lyon as an ideal host for the Olympic debut of synchronized figure skating.
The city’s selection underscores its increasing importance as a hub for international sporting events, further solidifying its reputation on the global stage. The upcoming Games are anticipated to bring significant economic and cultural benefits to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, attracting visitors and showcasing the vibrant spirit of Lyon.
As preparations intensify for the 2030 Winter Olympics, Lyon stands ready to welcome athletes and fans from around the world, promising a memorable and innovative Olympic experience, particularly with the introduction of synchronized figure skating.
Source: https://www.leprogres.fr/jeux-olympiques/2026/07/08/jo-2030-une-nouvelle-discipline-est-prevue-a-lyon
