The International Olympics Committee (IOC) recently announced the host locations for the Olympic and Paralympic winter games in 2030 and 2034. The French Alps and Salt Lake City were selected as the venues for these exciting sporting events. The decision was made during the 142nd IOC session in Paris, just ahead of the 2024 summer Olympics. In addition to these future events, the 2026 Cortina-Milan winter games in Italy and the 2028 summer Olympics in L.A. were also highlighted during the announcement.
Salt Lake City and Utah were chosen to host the 2034 games, with IOC President Thomas Bach referencing their successful staging of the 2002 Winter Olympics. He expressed confidence in their ability to organize exceptional Olympic and Paralympic Games once again. The bid received overwhelming approval from IOC members, with 83 ‘yes’ votes and only six ‘no’ votes. The delegation from Salt Lake City-Utah was led by notable figures such as Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall.
Governor Spencer Cox expressed the sentiment that hosting the Olympic Games is about building community and celebrating excellence, concepts that resonate deeply in Utah. The overwhelming support from Utahns and elected leaders reflects the readiness and enthusiasm to welcome the world back to their state in 2034. With more than 80% of Utahns in favor of the bid, it is clear that the preparations for the games are already underway, with high hopes for a successful event in 2034.
In addition to Salt Lake City, the French Alps were selected to host the 2030 edition of the games, receiving 84 ‘yes’ votes and four ‘no’ votes. However, a unique challenge presents itself with the French bid. All bids are contingent upon the host country signing a Games Delivery Guarantee, which is currently hindered by the political landscape in France. An acting government, resulting from recent snap general elections, has delayed the process of appointing a prime minister, necessary for the guarantee to be received and ratified.
Despite the administrative hurdles faced by the French bid, IOC President Thomas Bach remains optimistic about France’s capability to host an outstanding edition of the Olympic Winter Games. He emphasized the creativity, imagination, and flair currently being showcased at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics, expressing full confidence in France’s ability to deliver a successful event in 2030. The Games Delivery Guarantee deadline looms ahead, with expectations for timely resolutions to ensure the smooth execution of the winter games.
The 142nd IOC Session also approved the initial sports program for the 2030 winter games, which will include seven sports: biathlon, bobsleigh, curling, ice hockey, luge, skating, and skiing. This selection reflects the diverse range of winter sports that will be showcased at the event, offering athletes and spectators a thrilling and competitive environment to enjoy. With the host locations set and preparations underway, the future of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games looks promising and exciting for all those involved.