SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, July 24, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Prominent Utahns are sharing their excitement about the announcement today that the 2034 Winter Olympics will be held in Salt Lake City.
“Hope is believing in exciting possibilities for the future,” SLC Mayor Erin Mendenhall posted on social media.
“Salt Lake City has always been a hopeful city. Today’s announcement that we’ll host the 2034 Winter Games forges an even greater level of confidence and optimism in our future!”
That followed an earlier post, also from Paris, where she and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and others in the Utah delegation had traveled to make a final presentation and to hear the Olympic Committee’s decision in person.
In a 5:44 a.m. Mountain Time post, Mendenhall said:
“There’s nothing sweeter than hearing your cheers for ‘SLC’ hosting the 2034 Winter Games all the way in Paris,” she wrote, adding “#SLCUT2034 @SLC.
Mendenhall also shared thoughts as part of an official news release:
“Salt Lake City and the Olympic and Paralympic movement are deeply connected through values – our commitment to diversity, love for our youth, and the tireless work to preserve our environment,” she said.
“Through the Olympic movement, These principles are shared through the lens of sport. I can’t imagine a better partnership than the one we continue to forge with our Olympic partners.”
Governor Spencer Cox also shared a few posts on “X”:
“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. We’re ready to once again welcome the world to Utah. Let’s Go!”
“Back at home Utahns are celebrating the Olympics returning to our state in 2034 in downtown SLC. Utah is ready,” Cox posted next.
“We’re back baby! Happy Pioneer Day Utah…the Olympics are coming home,” he wrote next.
Ryan Smith, founder and former executive chairman of tech company Qualtrics and current owner of Smith Entertainment Group, shared his thoughts on social media, which Cox reshared.
“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.”
Cox also shared a post from actress and Utah resident Katherine Heigl:
“Thrilled that Salt Lake City has been chosen to host the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games 2034! It is testament to the hard work of the bid committee and as a proud Utahn it was an honor to help narrate our presentation videos to the IOC.”
And Utah Senator Mitt Romney, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, shared a statement:
“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.”
