Salt Lake City Chosen to Host 2034 Winter Olympics

Salt Lake City has been selected to host the 2034 Winter Olympic Games, according to an announcement by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday. This decision came after a vote by the IOC members, confirming the city’s selection. The 2030 Winter Olympics, meanwhile, will be held in the French Alps.

IOC President Thomas Bach revealed the results, with Salt Lake City receiving 83 votes in favor, six against, and six abstentions. This outcome was anticipated, as Salt Lake City was the only candidate for the 2034 Games, building on its history as the host of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Bach lauded Salt Lake City and the state of Utah, referring to them as “long-time friends of the Olympic Movement.” He noted, “The legacy of 2002 is tangibly and passionately alive in Utah.”

Following the announcement, Utah Governor Spencer Cox expressed gratitude to the IOC, highlighting the broad support for the bid within the state. “More than 80% of Utahns and 100% of our elected leaders supported our Olympic bid,” Cox stated. He was joined in the presentation of Salt Lake City’s bid by Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Olympic gold medalist skier Lindsey Vonn. The IOC’s decision for the 2034 Games follows the allocation of the 2030 Winter Olympics to the French Alps, which will be the venue for the event preceding Salt Lake City’s turn.

After the vote, Governor Cox addressed the committee, saying, “In 2002, you and the Olympic and Paralympic movement did something for us. You gave us something very special…you put us on the world stage for the first time…Now it is our turn to give something back to you. We will work incredibly hard over the next 10 years to unify not just the United States but the entire world around sports again.”

Prior to the vote, Cox agreed to a significant condition set by the IOC, which requires the host city’s officials to collaborate with the U.S. President and Congress to address concerns over federal investigations into doping at international events. The IOC had raised alarms about potential challenges to the authority of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and possible resistance from other nations. The Justice Department’s decision to investigate doping allegations involving Chinese swimmers had caused friction, as samples from these athletes had repeatedly tested positive for banned substances. However, WADA accepted the Chinese government’s explanation of accidental contamination. Under the agreement, the IOC retains the right to revoke Salt Lake City’s status as the host if these issues are not resolved satisfactorily.

This will mark the fourth time the U.S. has hosted the Winter Olympics. In addition to Salt Lake City in 2002, the Winter Games were held in Lake Placid, New York in 1932 and 1980, and in Olympic Valley, California in 1960.