As athletes prepare to compete in the Paris Summer Olympics this week, the International Olympic Committee formally announced that the 2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games will return to the United States.
The games will be the second scheduled for the United States in the next decade—Los Angeles is the host city for the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The announcement was made following a fast-tracked process that began last year when the city was given exclusive negotiating rights.
The decision to award the games to Salt Lake City was made amid tensions between the IOC and the U.S. government over a federal investigation into suspected doping by Chinese swimmers. The investigation focused on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) handling of positive drug tests for 23 Chinese swimmers before the Tokyo Olympics.
The Salt Lake City Committee and the USOPC confirmed their commitment to the World Anti-Doping Code in a press release; and IOC Member John Coates, chair of the IOC’s Legal Affairs Commission, assured that the Olympic Host Contract would be reinforced to ensure adherence to anti-doping regulations.
The Salt Lake City delegation for the 2034 Games was led by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) President Gene Sykes, and Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games President Fraser Bullock.
“Salt Lake City and Utah are long-time friends of the Olympic Movement, and we are confident that they will organize exceptional Olympic and Paralympic Games, just as they did years ago,” IOC President Thomas Bach said. “The legacy of 2002 is tangibly and passionately alive in Utah. The legacy of 2034 starts today.”
Mr. Cox emphasized the community spirit and support in Utah, stating the Olympics and Paralympics represent more than just competition.
“At its core, the Olympic Movement is about building community and celebrating excellence, things we do really well in Utah,” Mr. Cox said. “More than 80 percent of Utahns and 100 percent of our elected leaders supported our Olympic bid. We’re ready to host another Olympic Winter Games, and we can’t wait to welcome the world back to Utah in 2034.”
The 2034 Games will utilize existing or temporary venues, aligning with sustainability principles and the Olympic Agenda 2020 and 2020+5, according to the announcement. The IOC said the aim is to drive long-term benefits for the region, including expanded sports and social programs for youth and athletes.
Fraser Bullock, president and CEO of the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games, said he is “proud to show the world how our living legacy brings value to our communities, enriches the lives of youth, and helps contribute to the world of sport.”
