Governor Cox discusses potential return of Olympic Games to Utah in 2034

Are the Olympics returning to Utah? Photo: Michele Roepke // TownLift

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — In an exclusive gathering at the Kearns Mansion, Gov. Spencer Cox, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, and Catherine Raney Norman, four-time Olympian and chair of the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games, discussed the potential return of the Winter Olympics to Utah in 2034 with optimism. This conversation occurred during Last Chair: The Ski Utah Podcast, episode 7, season 5, recorded on Feb. 1.

Unified bid for the 2034 games

With her deep roots in athletic and local communities, Norman highlighted the importance of inclusivity, community impact and leveraging technology to connect global audiences to the Games.

Legacy and community at the forefront

Cox and Mendenhall discussed the transformative potential of the Olympics, not just in terms of sports but as a catalyst for unity, economic development and community building. The emphasis was on the lasting legacy of the Games, beyond the spectacle of sports, to include advancements in housing, infrastructure and environmental sustainability.

Venues and infrastructure ready to shine

With the infrastructure largely in place, thanks to the legacies of the 2002 Games and recent developments like the new Salt Lake City International Airport, Utah is positioned as an ideal host.

A future filled with hope

Looking forward to 2034, the vision shared by Cox, Mendenhall, and Norman is one of hope, unity and celebration.