SALT LAKE CITY — International Olympic Committee members said Monday that Salt Lake City has “been there, done it, been successful,” and spoke enthusiastically about a trip to Utah scheduled for next month.
The trip to northern Utah comes just a few months before Salt Lake City is likely to host the 2034 Winter Games in July.
In discussions with various media outlets, the IOC shared its plans for the Utah visit from April 10 to 13. While in the Salt Lake City area, committee members will dig deeper into the 2034 Games proposal and what it means for the local region.
“What's great is that Salt Lake and Utah are very enthusiastic and eager to host the Olympics again. This is obviously a great success for the Olympics, a great experience, and they're excited about hosting the Olympics again. I think it shows that we want to create a new generation and give a new generation of young people and athletes that opportunity,'' said Jacqueline Barrett, director of future Olympic Games.
It became clear Monday that Salt Lake City's experience hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics has excited even the usually reserved members of the IOC.
“They've done it before, it's not the first time, and it's a completely different ball game. I really like this feeling of going back to some of the great professionals,” executive Christophe Dubi said. Olympic Games Director.
Even if there is a gap in time until the tournament is held, it does not seem to be a disadvantage.
“They know the recipes. Of course, it was a long time ago, but the logic of organizing events and carrying out events remains the same,” Dubi added. “So we go and probably talk from expert to expert, which feels very good.”
The IOC will inspect the planned construction site for the Olympic Village and Medal Plaza, as well as venues for figure skating, speed skating, hockey and other sports. The group also travels to mountain venues for alpine, freestyle and cross-country skiing, as well as ski jumping, bobsled and luge.
In February, the Salt Lake City-Utah Games Committee formally submitted its bid to host the 2034 Olympics, several months after the IOC nominated the region to host the Games.
After the April visit, the IOC Future Hosts Commission will submit a report to the Commission's Executive Board.
