Salt Lake City Awarded 2034 Winter Olympics Amid Doping Controversy

Salt Lake City has been chosen to host the 2034 Winter Olympic Games, receiving 83 out of 89 votes from the International Olympic Committee. The bid faced challenges, including a doping case involving 23 Chinese swimmers. An amendment to the host city contract emphasizes WADA's supreme authority in anti-doping efforts.

Salt Lake City was awarded the 2034 Winter Olympic Games on Wednesday following a vote by the International Olympic Committee. The U.S. city, which hosted the 2002 Winter Games, secured 83 votes out of 89 at the IOC session, having been named the preferred choice in June.

"To the people celebrating back home: we are back baby, the Olympics are coming back to Utah," said Utah Governor Spencer Cox, who was part of the presentation team, along with Olympic skiing champion Lindsey Vonn. A large crowd in Salt Lake City watched the announcement on big screens.

Salt Lake City initially aimed for the 2030 Games, awarded to France, but withdrew due to its proximity to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. "We are thrilled that the Winter Olympics will be returning to Salt Lake City, Utah in 2034. Congrats @SLC2030 @SLCmayor @UtahGov, and @TeamUSA! #SLCUT2034," the U.S. State Department posted on X.

The project faced an unexpected challenge with 23 Chinese swimmers testing positive for banned substances before the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. While a Chinese investigation cleared them, a separate U.S. investigation expressed criticism of WADA's handling of the cases.

WADA's authority was questioned by the U.S. anti-doping agency and led to the involvement of U.S. authorities through the Rodchenkov Act, which extends U.S. jurisdiction to international sports competitions involving American athletes. The IOC added an amendment to the host city contract, allowing termination if WADA's authority is undermined.

Salt Lake City and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee have signed the amended contract. "The issues under discussion were not caused by Salt Lake City or Utah," said IOC President Thomas Bach. "It is unfortunate this issue arose during the election."

(With inputs from agencies.)