Salt Lake City's Bid for 2034 Winter Games Faces Doping Authority Challenge

Thomas Bach, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president, visited Utah to address concerns about Salt Lake City's bid for the 2034 Winter Games. The IOC added a termination clause to the host contract, causing concerns over adherence to World Anti-Doping Agency rules. Utah's bid leaders hastily agreed to the terms to secure the Games.

Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), visited Utah to address concerns regarding Salt Lake City's bid for the 2034 Winter Games. Bach sought to alleviate fears about a termination clause in the host contract that could jeopardize the city's chances if anti-doping agreements are not met.

The IOC inserted a clause in July's host contract, threatening to revoke the 2034 Games if the U.S. government does not recognize the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) supreme authority. Despite the contract's controversial stipulation, Utah's bid leaders quickly agreed to ensure the Games' announcement proceeded without delay.

Bach emphasized that the clause was a testament to the IOC's confidence in the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency's alignment with WADA. He highlighted that any disruptions would likely stem from WADA, rather than the Olympic committee. The Utah delegation expressed optimism, noting no local tensions and their unwavering commitment to hosting a successful 2034 Winter Games.

(With inputs from agencies.)