The International Olympic Committee (IOC) cited concerns about climate change to explain its desire to award host cities for the 2030 and 2034 Winter Olympics as early as July, forcing Salt Lake City to quickly enter the fray by view of the 2034 Olympics.
IOC President Thomas Bach said the body wanted to choose the sites for the next two unallocated Winter Games when it meets on the eve of next year’s Paris Games.
Sweden, Switzerland and France are working on possible bids for 2030, while Salt Lake City leaders have been aiming for 2034 for some time. This would prevent the United States from having to host the Olympics back-to-back, after the Games. summer of Los Angeles, in 2028.
This proposal for dual attribution of the executive committee, also chaired by Bach, must receive the support of all members during their annual general meeting, which will open on Sunday. It should be a formality.
The IOC has fewer and fewer options for the Winter Games. Bach argues that only 15 national Olympic committees on three continents meet the selection criteria: at least 80% of existing competition venues as well as a “relatively reliable” climate to hold winter competitions in the decades to come.
“We must quickly respond to the dramatic impact of climate change on winter sports,” Bach said.
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