The International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry has confirmed she has had no formal communication with US President Donald Trump regarding the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Speaking from Lausanne, Coventry emphasized that while the committee is aware of the shifting geopolitical landscape, its mandate remains strictly sporting.

The confirmation comes as President Trump attends the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where his rhetoric on trade wars and territorial sovereignty has dominated headlines. With the LA Games less than three years away, the lack of direct dialogue between the IOC chief and the leader of the host nation raises eyebrows, though Coventry insists the focus remains on "protecting the platform" for the 10,000 athletes expected to compete.

Navigating Geopolitical Headwinds

Coventry, the former Zimbabwean swimmer who took the IOC helm 10 months ago, walked a diplomatic tightrope when addressing questions about the US administration. While confirming the radio silence from the White House, she revealed she is scheduled to meet US Vice-President JD Vance in Milan on February 6, ahead of the Winter Olympics opening ceremony.

"We are always aware of the conversations and the geopolitics," Coventry stated during a press briefing. "But I want to make clear that it is not in our remit to comment on such matters. Our goal is to have all national Olympic committees represented at the Games."

• The "Harmony" Rebuke: In what analysts view as a veiled message to the "America First" administration, Coventry stressed that the Games showcase how nations can "live and understand each other" without speaking the same language.
• The Visa Challenge: A looming logistical nightmare involves potential visa bans for athletes from nations currently in Washington's crosshairs, a hurdle the IOC must clear to ensure full participation.

The World Cup Contrast

The situation stands in stark contrast to FIFA's relationship with the White House. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been a frequent guest of Trump, even awarding him a controversial "peace prize" in December. The US is set to co-host the World Cup later this year, and relations appear significantly warmer on the football front.

When pressed on whether she should adopt Infantino's strategy, Coventry remained pragmatic. "If we weren't seeing good relations six months before the World Cup I would get worried," she noted. "As we get closer to the Olympics, you will see the relations continue... and only get stronger."