The International Olympic Committee on Wednesday approved Utah’s capital, Salt Lake City, to host the 2034 Winter Olympics with an 83-6 vote.
According to New York Times, this will mark the city’s second time hosting the Games, having previously held them in 2002.
Additionally, the IOC conditionally voted in favour of the French Alps hosting the 2030 Winter Games with an 84-4 vote, with seven abstentions.
Salt Lake City, which previously faced a bribery scandal ahead of the 2002 Winter Olympics that led to significant changes in how host cities are selected, has been given a second opportunity to host the Games.
This decision followed a dramatic revision of the host city contract to ensure compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency.
The adjustment was prompted by U.S. federal investigations into doping cases involving elite Chinese swimmers before the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, which raised questions about WADA’s efficacy.
The revised contract allows the IOC to withdraw the Games if efforts are made to undermine WADA’s authority.
This move, amid ongoing tensions over doping regulation, reflects the IOC’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of international sports.
Despite the controversy, Salt Lake City’s bid, backed by a preliminary $4 billion budget and existing venues from the 2002 Games, was ultimately successful.
Earlier in the day, a bid from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regions in France was provisionally chosen to host the 2030 Winter Games, contingent on meeting certain IOC requirements.
France President, Emmanuel Macron, expressed gratitude for the IOC’s trust and committed to overcoming any financial and logistical challenges.
The 2034 Games will see Salt Lake City leveraging its legacy infrastructure, including a bobsled track, a speedskating oval, and ski resorts, to host the events.
This practical approach, coupled with strong local support, helped secure the city’s bid.
The IOC’s modernized bidding process, which involves fewer in-person visits and a focus on sustainable sporting venues, has aimed to reduce corruption and streamline selections.
However, scandals such as the one involving Salt Lake City’s 2002 bid, where IOC members accepted over $1 million in bribes, remain a stark reminder of the Games’ controversial history.
Despite these issues, Salt Lake City’s successful bid for the 2034 Winter Olympics demonstrates the city’s enduring appeal and the IOC’s evolving efforts to uphold the integrity and sustainability of the Olympic Games.
