Salt Lake City Secures 2034 Winter Olympics Amid Doping Controversy

Salt Lake City was awarded the 2034 Winter Olympic Games following a convincing vote from the International Olympic Committee, bringing the Games back to Utah after hosting in 2002. The announcement, celebrated by local officials and Olympic champions, comes amid a doping controversy involving Chinese swimmers, prompting new anti-doping contract amendments.

Salt Lake City was awarded the 2034 Winter Olympic Games on Wednesday following a decisive vote by the International Olympic Committee.

The U.S. city, which hosted the 2002 Winter Games, garnered 83 out of 89 votes 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 in Paris, joined by Olympic skiing champion Lindsey Vonn.

A large crowd in Salt Lake City watched the announcement on big screens, celebrating their city's return to the global sports stage.

United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee chairman Gene Sykes expressed a mix of relief and excitement, anticipating an unforgettable experience for Utah and the world.

Salt Lake City had initially aimed to bid for the 2030 Games but chose to target 2034 due to the proximity of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

The successful bid follows a doping controversy involving 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for banned substances before the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. Although cleared by a Chinese investigation for inadvertent contamination, the case led to criticism of WADA from U.S. anti-doping officials and a separate U.S. investigation.

In response, the IOC amended the host city contract to allow termination if WADA's authority is not respected. Salt Lake City and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee have signed the new terms.

IOC President Thomas Bach emphasized that the issues were not caused by Salt Lake City or Utah.

(With inputs from agencies.)