The anticipated preference for Salt Lake City as the frontrunner to host the 2034 Winter Olympics came to fruition. However, the unexpected decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to favor the French Alps bid for the 2030 edition was the surprising twist on Wednesday.
With the goal of solidifying consecutive hosts for the Winter Games next year, the IOC executive board has chosen to engage in exclusive discussions with Olympic officials from both France and the United States, specifically Salt Lake City.
In the 2034 bid race, Salt Lake stands unopposed in its effort to bring the games back to Utah, which previously hosted the Winter Games in 2002. The American bid received commendation on Wednesday for its widespread support, extending from various levels of government up to President Joe Biden.