The International Olympic Committee has announced the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will be hosted by Salt Lake City, Utah at the 142nd IOC session in Paris.
This is the second time the city has hosted the Games following the successful staging in 2002
Salt Lake City has a strong link with Australian athletes.
The nation won its first winter gold medal in aerial skiing with Alisa Camplin taking the women’s aerials, while short track speed skater Steven Bradbury sensationally won gold in one of the most memorable finishes in sporting history.
Aerial skier Alisa became Olympic Champion in Salt Lake following a perfect display of two triple-twisting, double backflip jumps in front of ecstatic fans and team members.
One of three aerial skiers representing Australia in the women’s competition, she was instantly propelled to being one of the golden girls of sport.
“I am so excited Salt Lake City will be hosting the 2034 Winter Olympic Games.” Alisa said from Paris.
“Going back 22 years, my dreams were made skiing. It was the greatest moment of my life.
“Dare I say, it was one of the greatest Games I've ever seen. Salt Lake City knows how to put on an Olympics.
“There is so much to look forward to as an athlete. I hope young kids in Australia trying different sports get involved in winter sport and have a go.
“If you have a go, dreams come true.”
Short track speed skater Steven became a household name in his fourth Olympic Games. He secured his gold medal only two days prior to Alisa.
His perseverance helped him claim Australia’s first speed skating gold following a spectacular crash on the final corner in the Men’s 1000m sprint.
It was a moment that solidified him in Australian sporting history, with ‘a Bradbury’ becoming part of the nation's culture.
The 2034 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games sports will be held at world class existing, or temporary venues, with efforts to drive sustainable change in Utah.
“Salt Lake City and Utah are long-time friends of the Olympic Movement, and we are confident that they will organise exceptional Olympic and Paralympic Games, just as they did years ago,” IOC President Thomas Bach said.
“The legacy of 2002 is tangibly and passionately alive in Utah. The legacy of 2034 starts today.”
At the same session in Paris, the International Olympic Committee also announced the French Alps region as the host of the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Shannon Knaus
