Lindsey Vonn made her Olympic debut at the 2002 Games in Salt Lake City at the age of 17, finishing sixth in the combined event and 32nd in slalom. Throughout her successful skiing career, Vonn continued to return to Utah, considering it one of her home bases. Now, as part of the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games, she believes that Salt Lake City should be the top choice for sustainability in hosting future Winter Olympics, especially with the impact of climate change on potential host cities worldwide.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is shifting towards a rotational approach for hosting the Olympics, as the traditional competitive bidding process often results in dormant venues post-event. Utah, with its well-maintained and utilized venues since the 2002 Games, stands out as a model for sustainability and readiness to host future Winter Games. The IOC’s future host commission recently visited Utah to consider the proposal of bringing the Olympics back to Salt Lake City for 2034, acknowledging the region’s potential as a host for future Winter Games.
The cost and waste associated with building new Olympic venues in various cities have led to a shift in the IOC’s approach towards finding suitable hosts. Salt Lake City’s existing infrastructure, ready-to-go venues, and sustainability initiatives make it a logical choice for hosting future Winter Games. With no taxpayer dollars expected to go towards the 2034 Games, Utah’s Olympic legacy and successful maintenance of venues position it as a leading candidate for hosting the Olympics beyond 2034.
Despite facing environmental challenges such as the shrinking Great Salt Lake and winter inversions that lead to pollution in the region, organizers of the Salt Lake City Winter Games bid are committed to achieving renewable energy goals and reducing CO2 emissions. The potential economic and sports growth in the region, including the acquisition of an NHL team by Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith, further highlight Utah’s readiness to host the Winter Games. The IOC delegation is set to present their report on Salt Lake City’s bid in June, with approval expected at the IOC session in July, solidifying the return of the Winter Games to Utah.
The IOC’s consideration of Salt Lake City as a sustainable and reliable host for future Winter Games aligns with the evolving landscape of Olympic hosting. With fewer countries having a suitable climate for winter sports, the IOC recognizes the need for a rotational system that prioritizes readiness and sustainability. Utah’s Olympic venues, maintained since 2002, offer a strong foundation for hosting the 2034 Games and potentially beyond, showcasing the benefits of a model that values existing infrastructure over building new facilities for each Olympic event.
Salt Lake City’s bid for the 2034 Winter Olympics underscores the region’s commitment to hosting a sustainable and economically smart Games. With a focus on utilizing existing venues, achieving renewable energy goals, and private funding for the event, Utah presents itself as an ideal choice for the IOC’s rotational host system. As the IOC prepares to finalize the selection of Salt Lake City as the host for the 2034 Winter Games, the region’s legacy of successful Olympic hosting and readiness for future events make it a strong contender on the global stage.
