MILAN/CORTINA — Kirsty Coventry, the newly appointed president of the International Olympic Committee, created a tense scene during a press conference at the closing stages of the 2026 Winter Olympics when she openly criticized her own team — and suggested someone might be dismissed — after being blindsided by tough questions from reporters.

The incident occurred as Coventry answered questions on a range of controversial topics, including whether Germany’s concerns about hosting the 2036 Olympics due to historical sensitivity were being addressed, allegations regarding the leadership of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency, and perceived political involvement by international sports officials.

President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Kirsty Coventry delivers a speech at the closing ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at the Verona Arena in Verona, northern Italy, on February 22, 2026.

Visibly unprepared, Coventry repeatedly stated she “was not aware” of the issues raised, prompting her to glance at her communications team — and quip that “maybe someone needs to be dismissed” for leaving her out of the loop. Her remarks appeared directed at her own staff during the international press gathering, an unusual public rebuke from a leader of a major global organization.

President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Kirsty Coventry attends the closing ceremony at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at the Verona Arena in Verona on February 22, 2026.

The awkward exchange highlighted the challenges facing Coventry in her first Olympics as IOC president and drew attention to internal communications within the committee, even as she reiterated the IOC’s commitment to neutrality and promised further review of the matters raised by the media.

Overall, the moment offered a rare glimpse of tension behind the scenes at the world’s biggest sporting event — and underscored the scrutiny Olympic leadership faces on the global stage.