Paris: Salt Lake City, Utah, will host the Winter Olympics and Paralympics Games in 2034. The decision was made during the 142nd International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Paris on Wednesday. This marks the second time Salt Lake City will host the Winter Olympics, having first done so in 2002. Out of 89 valid votes, Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 received 83 ‘yes’ votes from IOC Members, with six ‘no’ votes and six abstentions.
The Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 delegation was led by Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, US Olympic and Paralympic Committee President Gene Sykes, and Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games President Fraser Bullock.
IOC President Thomas Bach expressed confidence in Salt Lake City, stating, “Salt Lake City and Utah are long-time friends of the Olympic Movement, and we are confident that they will organise exceptional Olympic and Paralympic Games, just as they did years ago. The legacy of 2002 is tangibly and passionately alive in Utah. The legacy of 2034 starts today.”
Karl Stoss, IOC Member and Chair of the Future Host Commission for the Olympic Winter Games, highlighted the strong support and excellent facilities Utah offers. “Olympic Winter Games in Utah represent a fantastic opportunity,” he said. “This very strong project benefits from an exceptionally high level of public and political support. The athletes will benefit from the great facilities and opportunities this project has to offer.”
Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 aims to extend the benefits of the 2002 Games to a new generation, aligning with Olympic Agenda 2020 and 2020+5, as well as regional socio-economic development plans. The Games will be hosted in existing or temporary venues, promoting sustainability and long-term regional benefits.