Recent meetings between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have led U.S. officials to conclude that it would probably be best for Salt Lake City to bid for the 2034 Winter Olympics — even though the capital of Utah will be ready to welcome those of 2030, if necessary.
US Olympic and Paralympic Committee President Susanne Lyons said she sees Salt Lake City as the favorite to host the 2034 Olympics. years after the Los Angeles Summer Olympics.
We will find a solution, but if we have to choose, then we would prefer to organize those of 2034, Lyons said in an interview with The Associated Press. I believe that in Salt Lake, the organizing committee understood that we are in a remarkable position for 2034, although we could still be ready for 2030.
The Los Angeles Organizing Committee will be responsible for marketing operations for the entire US Olympic movement in the run-up to the 2028 Olympics, which means reallocating resources to hosting back-to-back Olympics could prove be a daunting task.
Lyons pointed out that some IOC members did not appreciate criticism of China from US lawmakers ahead of the Beijing Games last winter. Some of these lawmakers recalled that human rights are violated in China, and asked the government to boycott the 2022 Olympics. The United States eventually proceeded to a diplomatic boycottrefusing to send American dignitaries to Beijing.
Lyons did mention that IOC officials have told him that Salt Lake City, which hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, could be called upon to host the 2030 Olympics.
They said the bid, technically, is flawlessshe clarified.
The picture should become clearer later this year, as the other candidate cities in the ranks unveil their plans. Sapporo, Japan, Barcelona, Spain, and Vancouver have already expressed interest in hosting the 2030 Olympics.
Associated Press
Source: Radio-Canada
