Utahns react as Olympics set to return to SLC in 2034

Jul 24, 2024, 7:04 AM | Updated: 7:23 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — It’s official. Utah will welcome the world again after the International Olympic Committee selected Salt Lake City to host the 2034 Olympics.

“Salt Lake City and Utah are long-time friends of the Olympic Movement, and we are confident that they will organize exceptional Olympic and Paralympic Games, just as they did years ago,” IOC President Thomas Bach said Wednesday in Paris. “The legacy of 2002 is tangibly and passionately alive in Utah. The legacy of 2034 starts today.”

Thousands of Utahns gathered at Washington Square in downtown Salt Lake City to watch the announcement and vote early Wednesday.

“I wasn’t very old when they announced the 2002 Olympics, and I was like, I’m going to be a part of history,” Emily Phillips said, who watched the announcement live.

She was 10-years-old during the 2002 Olympics. Phillips said she’s been waiting for years for the games to return to her home state.

“It will be here before we know it,” she said. “It’s just going to be the greatest, the greatest time. You know, a lot of us have seen this full circle.”

Another party attendee told KSL she stood in the same exact spot at the watch party Wednesday morning as she did at the announcement at Washington Square in 1995. She brought her family with her this time, including her children.

“I was 12, so I wanted these guys to experience the same thing, and just be a part of the moment, and part of history. And just feel the excitement, because there really is a vibe down here,” she said.

Olympian and member of the Salt Lake City-Utah committee for the Games, Lindsey Vonn remarked on the size of the crowd watching the IOC’s vote from Washington Square.

“We had just quite a few more people than France did at the live shot,” Vonn said. “I just want to say, you guys are awesome.”

Phillips said there were moments of uncertainty while watching the IOC discuss an anti-doping issue.

“I was feeling all sorts of emotions last night because… it did get tense last night with everything that they were bringing up,” she said. “And I just remember standing in the crowd, and I was like, ‘Oh, no.’ I was like, ‘Are these points going to break it from bringing it back to Utah?”

Crowd members said they felt relieved and reenergized when the final decision was announced.

“It was the best night of my life,” Phillips said.

Online, Utahns expressed excitement and their support for the 2034 Games.

“It’s official, the Winter Games are coming back to the Beehive State! Today Salt Lake City, Utah was officially awarded the host contract for the 2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Gov. Spencer Cox said. “We’re ready to once again welcome the world to Utah. Let’s Go!”

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement:

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints extends its heartfelt congratulations to Salt Lake City on securing the bid to host the 2034 Winter Olympics. We celebrate this news, recalling the feelings of unity, peace and friendship that characterized the event when it was last hosted in Utah in 2002.

“We stand ready to support the 2034 Olympic Games in welcoming athletes, volunteers and visitors from around the world. The Church is committed to efforts that make Salt Lake a host city that embodies values of service, cooperation and mutual respect. As the home of the international headquarters of the Church, we will work with organizers at both local and international levels to welcome the world as 2034 draws near.”

Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz said:

“Utah has officially been selected to host the Olympics once again, solidifying our position as not only the Crossroads of the West but also the Crossroads of the World.

“This decision marks a historic return after our state successfully staged the 2002 Winter Games. Even after the flame was extinguished at the closing ceremony 22 years ago, we’ve kept the spirit of the games alive. While we are thrilled for another opportunity to showcase our state’s natural beauty, participate in the festivities and reap the economic benefits that are sure to last for decades, we are committed to investing in projects that have long-term, lasting benefits for the entire state. With our world-class facilities and enthusiastic community support, Utah will deliver another unforgettable experience filled with amazing athleticism and a spirit of unity.”


Sen. Mitt Romney said:

“It is official—the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games are coming back to Salt Lake City in 2034! Now, when I was involved in the 2002 games, I was inspired by the Olympians who demonstrated the greatest qualities of the human spirit through their grit and athleticism, their determination and their courage. But I was also inspired to see so many Utahns come together—in official as well as voluntary roles—to serve those who were visiting from nations across the globe.

“During those games, Utah demonstrated to the entire world its unique spirit of service and fellowship. And Utah is well-prepared to host the world once again for the Winter Games. We are a leading hub for winter sports; our economy is resilient and growing; our sporting venues and infrastructure are well kept and regularly used for competition; and of course, we have the ‘Greatest Snow on Earth.’

“I want to congratulate and thank all those who put in tireless work to make this happen—especially Fraser Bullock, who led the effort—as well as state leaders. I look forward to cheering on Team USA as they compete in the Beehive State in 2034.”

Ryan Smith, Qualtrics CEO and owner of the Utah Jazz, Utah Hockey Club and Real Salt Lake:

“In tech, we embrace momentum and focus on creating the next big movement before it’s here. It’s often hard to see what’s not right in front of you. The momentum happening in Utah is right in front of our eyes – and everyone can see it. Congratulations, Salt Lake City and the entire state of Utah on representing the USA in hosting the 2034 Olympic Winter Games. Incredible leadership from Fraser, Cat, Gov, Mayor, and the team! Bravo.”

Social Media Reacts To Salt Lake City’s 2034 Olympic Announcement

Reaction to Salt Lake City hosting 2034 Games

 

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Utahns react as Olympics set to return to SLC in 2034