Establishment of a 2034 organizing committee coming soon
After a successful run to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games back to Utah, the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games is completing its mission, preparing now for an organizing committee to lead the way to 2034. Five months after it celebrated the award of the 2034 Games from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Paris, the board took its final action on Dec. 18, celebrating the success and taking final actions to close the books on the bid committee and its team that orchestrated Utah’s pitch to the IOC over the past four years.
“Our entire board takes great pride in the work it has done to not only bring the Games back to Utah but in engaging communities across the state around the spirit of the Games,” said four-time Olympic speed skater Catherine Raney Norman, who served as board chair since June 2021. Raney Norman served alongside Vice Chair Steve Starks, Honorary Chairs Governor Spencer Cox and Mayor Erin Mendenhall, and Honorary Vice Chairs Senate President Stuart Adams and Speaker of the House Mike Schultz.
Bid committee President and CEO Fraser Bullock lauded Raney Norman and the board for their influence in communities across the state. He also recognized the bid’s team of around a dozen – mostly volunteers – who engineered the day-to-day work of the bid since 2020.
“What this team produced was astonishing and unprecedented,” said Bullock. “The team engineered an exceptional bid by every measure, going far beyond what was required by the IOC.”
Bullock also acknowledged Utah’s sports community, including the Utah Sports Commission and Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, which both were conceived out of the 2002 Winter Games. “The work of the Utah Sports Commission under Jeff Robbins and the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, led by Colin Hilton, was a vital component for our Salt Lake City-Utah bid – continually attracting sporting events to Utah, keeping our venues active and well-maintained, and building a platform for youth to benefit from sport,” said Bullock.
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee was a strong partner since it first identified Salt Lake City-Utah as America’s Choice in 2018. Raney Norman acknowledged the leadership of USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland and President Gene Sykes.
“This is a time for Salt Lake City-Utah to celebrate all it has accomplished in bringing the Games back to the United States and embracing the motivated winter sports community in Utah,” said U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee President Gene Sykes. “The Utah bid was a great model of community support and a tribute to Utah for sharing this powerful story of winter sports legacy and community with the world.”
In December 2018, Salt Lake City-Utah was selected by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee as America’s Choice for a future Winter Games. In February 2020, Utah Governor Gary Herbert and Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall announced the formation of the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games. Governor Herbert saw the bid as an opportunity to showcase Utah as a global center for sport and a catalyst for a vibrant culture across the state. The committee was initially led by former Rocky Mountain Power executive Cindy Crane as chair and Fraser Bullock as president and CEO.
Its Governing Board and Strategic Board were made up of community, business, political, and sport leaders, along with a strong core of athletes. Through the committee’s engagement, Salt Lake City-Utah enjoyed consistent, positive public opinion that reached over 80% approval ratings.
“Our bid represents the best of what Utah can achieve when we come together,” said Governor Cox. “Now, we look ahead with excitement, ready to build on this foundation and deliver a Games that will inspire the world and benefit every corner of our state.”
A leadership team under President and CEO Fraser Bullock spearheaded strategic work to engage the IOC. The bid showcased Salt Lake City-Utah’s experience, preparedness, and sustainable approach in utilizing existing venues – all within an hour of a central athlete village. A highly experienced bid team secured the bid on a lean $3.9 million budget, which was fully funded by the Utah donor community.
“This bid was powered by an extraordinary coalition of people – athletes, community advocates, and volunteers – each bringing their unique expertise and passion to the table,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “I’m proud to have served alongside a team that refused to settle for anything less than excellence. In nine short years, our venues will once again take center stage, embodying the spirit of a region defined by resilience, ambition, and collaboration.”
“As we prepare for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Utah stands ready to build on the incredible legacy of the 2002 Games,” said Senate President Stuart Adams. “Beyond showcasing athletic excellence, the Games will highlight Utah’s world-class infrastructure, breathtaking landscapes, and the spirit of community that defines us. Hosting the Games again is not just an event – it’s an opportunity to boost our economy, strengthen tourism, and bring lasting investments that will benefit Utahns for generations. We’re excited to use the power of sport to unite our communities, inspire our youth, and demonstrate that Utah is a place where resilience, opportunity, and dreams come alive.”
“The Olympic and Paralympic Bid Committee went above and beyond to bring the Games back to Utah, and we cannot wait to share Utah’s story with the world,” said Speaker of the House Mike Schultz. “The 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will do just that – mirroring Utah values and showcasing the Utah spirit.”
With the bid committee’s mission completed, leaders from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, state elected officials, community leaders, and bid officials have been formulating the composition of the organizing committee that will provide leadership through the Games in 2034. The new organizing committee will be announced after the new year.
SALT LAKE CITY-UTAH BID TEAM
Catherine Raney Norman, four-time Olympic speed skater who served as board chair, rallying athletes, energizing community leaders, and inspiring donors.
Steve Starks, the chief executive officer of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies, served as the Olympic and Paralympic advisor to Utah Governor Spencer Cox.
Fraser Bullock, a key leader in the 2002 Games, Bullock served as president and CEO, drawing on his vast network of global sport contacts and close relationships with IOC leaders.
Alexis Gros-Piron, a manager with the 2002 Games who went on to a 20-year career with the IOC, provided leadership to the bid in ticketing and hospitality, which will be vital revenue sources in 2034.
Colin Hilton, president and CEO of the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, expanded his reach to manage relationships with every venue, negotiating agreements and bringing every venue under contract.
Brett Hopkins, the chief financial officer for the 2002 Winter Games and now CEO of the Ken Garff Automotive Group, provided financial and operational leadership.
Michael Huerta, a transportation and logistics leader in 2002, has had an extensive career in transportation, including administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, provided invaluable insights into mobility for the Games.
Darren Hughes, a 2002 veteran who engineered the day-to-day bid operations, calling on his vast experience working with over a dozen Olympic, Paralympic, FIFA World Cup and other major international sporting events.
Tom Kelly, bringing a long background in Olympic sports communications, served as communications lead, crafting the public message for the bid.
Molly Mazzolini, co-founder and CEO of Infinite Scale, a global sports design consultancy. With extensive experience in brand and sponsor integration across four Olympic Games, she led the vision, branding, and experience for 2034.
Chase Robbins, director of operations and finance for the Utah Sports Commission, served as the bid’s finance director, working to ensure economical operations.
Don Stirling, a longtime sport leader with the Utah Jazz, Larry H. Miller Company, and now head of the Miller Family Office, played a pivotal role in supporting philanthropic efforts that supported the bid.
Chris Sullivan, a longtime international relations leader with the USOPC provided vital counsel on both the international landscape as well as with the USOPC.
Lisa Valiant, a veteran sport manager having served with the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation and USA Climbing, provided management support throughout the bid period.
SALT LAKE CITY-UTAH 2034 TIMELINE
Dec. 14, 2018 - Salt Lake City-Utah is selected over Denver by the U.S. Olympic Committee as America’s choice for a future Winter Games.
Feb. 20, 2020 - In a press conference at The Leonardo in Salt Lake City, Utah Governor Gary Herbert and Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall announced the formation of a bid committee, with Cindy Crane named as chair and Fraser Bullock president and CEO.
Oct. 30, 2020 - Salt Lake City-Utah formally expresses its interest in a future Winter Games to the IOC.
Nov.3, 2020 - The International Olympic Committee formally accepts Salt Lake City-Utah into Continuous Dialogue for a future Games.
Nov. 17, 2020 - The role of sport in community is a primary topic at an SLC-UT board meeting. Gold medalists Apolo Ohno and Chris Waddell spoke of their experience in 2002, while Governor Gary Herbert highlighted the spirit that permeated the state.
Mar. 9, 2021 - Governor Herbert signs a joint resolution passed by both chambers of the legislature to guarantee funding for a future Winter Games.
June 11, 2021 - With a focus on expanding the voice of athletes, the board increased its athlete membership to 21, with four-time Olympic speed skater Catherine Raney Norman named chair.
Nov. 29, 2023 - The International Olympic Committee invites Salt Lake City-Utah into Targeted Dialogue as the Preferred Host for 2034.
April 2024 - A delegation from the International Olympic Committee’s Future Host Commission visits Salt Lake City-Utah to inspect venues firsthand and to meet with bid officials.
July 24, 2024 - At the IOC Session in Paris, Salt Lake City-Utah was awarded the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Back home in Salt Lake City’s Washington Square, thousands watched live in the early morning hours with thousands more celebrating at events at the Utah Olympic Park in Park City and Peaks Ice Arena in Provo.
September 2024 - President Thomas Bach leads an International Olympic Committee delegation to Salt Lake City-Utah, the first visit by an IOC president since the 2002 Winter Games.
Dec. 18, 2024 - In its final action, the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games wrapped up its tenure, paving the way for the naming of a 2034 organizing committee in the new year.