The International Olympic Committee on Wednesday gave enthusiastic support to the decades-long effort to bring the Winter Olympics back to Utah's capital in 2034.
Unlike many other past host locations that decided it wasn't worth the time, money and effort to revive the Olympics, Salt Lake City remains one of the few places where Olympic fever still burns strong. be. Olympic officials praised the city for maintaining its facilities and public enthusiasm as it begins its final visit before the official announcement expected this July.
From the towering cauldron overlooking the valley to the Olympic emblem engraved on manhole covers downtown, reminders of the 2002 Winter Olympics are all over the city. Upon exiting the airport, an unmissable arch in the snow-capped mountains marks visitors' entrance to the Olympic City.
These remnants are part of a long-term strategy that Utah leaders launched shortly after hosting the first Olympics, reminding them that the Olympics are part of Utah's fabric and that they are proud to be the host city. This is a reminder to residents.
Olympic officials said Wednesday was greeted with so much excitement that they felt the 2002 Winter Olympics might not be over yet.
In the decades since Salt Lake City first opened its neighborhood slopes to world-class winter athletes, the pool of potential hosts has shrunk dramatically. The sport is notorious for being a goldmine, but climate change is reducing the number of venues that can host it.
Despite being embroiled in a bribery scandal that nearly derailed the 2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City has regained the favor of its Olympic committee and is increasingly relying on its passionate community as its options dwindle. Olympic Games Secretary-General Christophe Dubi told reporters that the city is now the frontrunner if authorities ultimately form a permanent rotation of host cities.
“We are in an environment here where we look for opportunities rather than concerns,” Dubi said. “For the next 10 years, we are thinking less about what are the challenges and more about what are the opportunities for collaboration.”
Several European candidates withdrew due to financial, political and public concerns, leaving the commission with only two bid cities for 2022: Beijing, China, and Almaty, Kazakhstan.
“The International Olympic Committee needs Salt Lake City more than Salt Lake City needs the International Olympic Committee, the Olympics,” said Jules Boykoff, a professor of sports and political science at the University of the Pacific.
For Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, securing the bid is central to his goal of cementing his state as the winter sports capital of North America.
Cox State is looking to attract professional sports leagues and international events like last year's NBA All-Star Game, which could help boost Utah's image as a sports and tourism mecca, as well as shed some of Utah's persistent stigma. It follows a long-standing push by state leaders to welcome the United States. It's a strange, super-religious place.
About half of the state's 3.4 million residents and the majority of state leaders belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon Church.
Dave Lunt, a historian at Southern Utah University who teaches about the Olympics, said the Games give believers and other residents of the faith an opportunity to clear up misconceptions and share their values with the world.
“Latter-day Saints really just want to be liked. No disrespect or anything. That's my community. But we want to make sure we fit in and that we're good Americans. “We have a history that we want to show,” he said. “We are happy to host the party at our house.”
The 2002 Olympics, widely regarded as one of the most successful Olympics, saw government funding for a light rail system and world-class athletic facilities. After that, the city grew rapidly.
Utah bid leaders declined to release a budget estimate, saying they should be able to provide one next month. But they assured the committee they could keep costs down by using much of the same venue, which they have spent millions of dollars maintaining since 2002. It also touted bipartisan support for holding the event in the Republican-majority state's Democratic capital.
Boykov said the Olympic committee had few options left and that Salt Lake City had influence in determining the terms. These can include funding, deadlines, and even which sports are included.
And with NBC's multibillion-dollar broadcast contract with the Olympic Committee set to expire in 2032 (two years before Utah), the committee is trying to attract U.S.-based broadcasters by broadcasting live broadcasts. has a vested interest in choosing a US city that is in a time zone suitable for Giants.
Unlike many cities, Salt Lake City residents have no say in whether they want another Olympics, even though leaders say statewide polls show more than 80% support. Couldn't vote.
Olympic historians say the hype can distract residents from other negative aspects for the host country, such as gentrification, corruption, tax hikes and empty promises to improve the environment.
So far, no opposition has formed in Utah.
“If we think of the Olympics as a cultural institution, if Utahns collectively decide that's important to us, then it might be worth paying a little bit more money for,” Lunt said.
