Utahns react to announcement of 2034 Olympics
Jul 24, 2024, 4:05 PM | Updated: Jul 25, 2024, 11:03 am
The Olympic rings and a banner are displayed after a live watch party for the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee’s 2034 Winter Olympics bid held at the Salt Lake City and County Building in Washington Square Park on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in downtown Salt Lake City. (Isaac Hale/Deseret News)
(Isaac Hale/Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utahns are reacting to the big news that Salt Lake City will host the 2034 Winter Olympics. Many people attending the Days of ’47 Parade this morning got to hear the big Olympic announcement in real time.
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Savannah says she’s excited for the games to return, given she was only seven when the games first came here in 2002.
“Those are actually the first Olympics I even remember,” Savannah said. “So, I remember as a teenager thinking like man, I should have appreciated it more and gotten my parents to take me to more stuff. So I’m really excited.”
She says she has fond memories of the 2002 games, and thinks, like then, 2034 will be another opportunity for the world to see Utah for what it is.
Related: Local Olympians share their thoughts on the return of the Winter Olympics to Salt Lake
Kaylene Mower volunteered back in 2002 and hopes she can do it again in ten years.
“I just think showing the world who we are, you know?” Mower said. “We’re an amazing state, we do amazing things and people need to know that.”
She says she met people from all over the world 22 years ago, and is excited for Salt Lake to be on a global stage again in 2034.
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Amanda says she’s excited for 2034, and is open to trying to bring the games back further down the road.
“I think having the Olympics come would be an amazing experience!” Amanda said. “And I think that our state can handle it. I think it’s a great opportunity for us to keep our infrastructure and buildings going and in a position to be able to host it.”
She says it’s exciting to host a global audience in our own backyard.
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Annie is one of many who says they’re excited for the Winter Games to return to Utah in 2034.
“I’m so excited,” Annie said. “It’s a huge chance to root for Team USA! And last time they were here, I wasn’t old enough to remember. So I’m excited to watch on this time around.”
She says she thinks bringing the games back will help boost our tourism economy and show people more of what Utah has to offer.
Related: The people behind SLC’s bid for 2034 Olympic games can finally celebrate
Briley and Auzzy say they’re happy the games are coming back.
“I’m like really excited to see more people skiing, enjoying our mountains’ scenery. I think it’s gonna be amazing!” Briley said.
“See the natural beauty in Utah,” Auzzy said.
Auzzy says he thinks the 2034 games will once again show people around the world what Utah is really about and what our state has to offer.
Related: Why were doping concerns highlighted during Salt Lake City’s Olympic presentation?
Cheryl Tarbet was a volunteer when the games were here in 2002.
“Very excited, yes,” Tarbet said. “I think it’s a great opportunity and you’ve got lots of people more opportunities to take in, and be involved, and volunteer and have fun.”
She says she and her friend met and made friends with people all over the world.
