PARIS – Salt Lake City-Utah was named the host of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games 2034 following a vote today at the 142nd International Olympic Committee Session in Paris.
Following a decade-long process of preparation, evaluation and partnership, the Games will return to Utah 32 years after the remarkable 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and will be hosted for the fifth time in America.
“This is a great day for winter sport in the United States and around the world,” said Gene Sykes, USOPC Chair. “The Games vision brought forth by the Salt Lake team – inclusive of state and city leaders, the remarkable bid team and the community that showed support for this effort throughout – has been collaborative and forward-looking from the very start. We are thankful to the IOC and to Karl Stoss who led the Future Host Commission, and we look forward to the process of organizing what we know will be a terrific Games in 2034.”
Salt Lake City-Utah’s bid showcased the legacy of the 2002 Games, highlighting venues that continue to serve Team USA and international athletes in elite competition and a sustainable plan that includes no new permanent venue construction.
"Today's decision by the International Olympic Committee is as much about the Olympic and Paralympic movement as it is about Salt Lake City-Utah,” said President and CEO Fraser Bullock. “We are 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."
The 2034 Games vision is being celebrated for its athlete-centric focus, with world class venues located in close proximity to the Athletes’ Village.
“The community support and access to winter sport opportunities for Team USA athletes across the State of Utah is hugely impactful for American athletes who are competing today and for generations of athletes to come,” said Sarah Hirshland, USOPC CEO. “We are thrilled for our friends and partners at SLC-Utah and, with them, look forward to welcoming the world in 2034.”
Previous Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games held the United States: Olympic and Paralympic Games Salt Lake City 2002, Olympic Games Lake Placid 1980, Olympic Games Squaw Valley (Palisades-Tahoe) 1960, Olympic Games Lake Placid 1932.