Winter Olympics Return to France and USA: French Alps 2030, Salt Lake City 2034 The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has made a landmark decision, awarding the 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games to the French Alps and the 2034 Games to Salt Lake City, Utah. This announcement, made at the 142nd IOC Session in Paris, sets the stage for two world-class winter sports events in the coming decade.French President Emmanuel Macron expressed full commitment to organizing the 2030 Games, emphasizing the nation's dedication to delivering an outstanding event. IOC President Thomas Bach praised France's creativity and imagination, drawing parallels to the ongoing preparations for Paris 2024.
The French Alps have been confirmed as the venue for the 2030 Winter Olympics. Credit: Olympics IOC France's Olympic LegacyThe 2030 Games will mark France's fourth time hosting the Winter Olympics, but the first time in the French Alps region. Previously, France hosted the Winter Games in Chamonix (1924), Grenoble (1968), and Albertville (1992). The 1924 Chamonix Games were particularly significant as they were the first Winter Olympics ever held. The return of the Winter Games to France after a 38-year hiatus represents a chance to showcase the country's globally renowned ski resorts and alpine expertise on a global stage.However, there's a slight caveat for the French bid. Due to constitutional reasons following a national election, the Games Delivery Guarantee remains open. The French Alps 2030 committee has until October 1, 2024, to provide this guarantee, which must then be ratified by the French Parliament by March 1, 2025. Salt Lake City's Olympic ReturnSalt Lake City's selection for the 2034 Games was met with enthusiasm from the IOC. The city previously hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002, which were widely regarded as successful. The 2002 Games left a lasting legacy in Utah, with many venues still in use today for both elite competition and community recreation. This existing infrastructure played a key role in Salt Lake City's successful bid for 2034.The vote for Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 was overwhelmingly positive, with 83 IOC members voting in favor, 6 against, and 6 abstentions. All facilities for the 2034 Games will be either existing or temporary, aligning with efforts to promote sustainability in Utah.However, concerns were raised about recent developments in the United States challenging the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) authority. In response, both Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee reaffirmed their commitment to the World Anti-Doping Code and clean sport.
