The Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) has officially submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) a detailed report on the review of the Qualification System (QS) for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This document is the result of a collaborative effort with the National Olympic Committees (NOCs), who provided key input to identify strengths and areas for improvement in the classification systems of various sport disciplines with a view to the future, including Los Angeles 2028.

Classification system review

Between November and December 2024, ANOC collected 132 responses from 112 NOCs from five continents. The highest rated classification systems were field hockey, equestrian and rowing. On the other hand, athletics, skateboarding and surfing were identified as most in need of revision.

A recurring theme in the comments was the need to reduce classification costs, especially by limiting reliance on long-term ranking systems that require frequent international travel. NOCs expressed concern about two-year ranking processes that favor athletes and federations with greater financial resources.

Proposals to improve equity and sustainability

The review focused on proposing mechanisms that balance sport performance standards with more equitable and sustainable access. Notable recommendations included:

• Direct qualification opportunities – International Federations (IFs) were encouraged to offer direct qualification routes in addition to ranking systems.
• NOC eligibility authority: NOCs have the right to apply stricter selection criteria than those established by the IFs.
• Use of Continental Games: It was recommended to incorporate continental events into the ranking systems to promote regional access and reduce costs.

Impact on Los Angeles 2028

The first phase of the review was concluded in January 2025, when ANOC presented the IOC with a summary of the NOCs’ perspectives on the Classification System Principles. These inputs influenced the final version of the principles for Los Angeles 2028.

Among the recommendations adopted in the Los Angeles 2028 event program were:

• Expansion to 12 teams per gender in 3×3 basketball.
• Increase to 12 teams in women’s water polo.
• Reduction of quotas in modern pentathlon.
• Inclusion of a mixed team event in golf.
• Three medal events in sport climbing (separation of lead and bouldering).
• Inclusion of 50m backstroke, butterfly and breaststroke in swimming.

Next steps and continued collaboration

The second phase of the review, conducted between February and March 2025, included a detailed sport-by-sport analysis. A 31-member working group representing NOCs from all regions consolidated the recommendations and prepared discipline-specific summaries.

The final report, shared these days, includes a sport-by-sport summary with the main recommendations for the International Federations to consider.