Utah 2034 committee updates IOC on progress during presentation in Milan

MILAN — Utah’s Olympic and Paralympic Committee delivered an update to the International Olympic Committee on Tuesday, marking its first in‑person presentation since Salt Lake City was awarded the 2034 Winter Games bid in the summer of 2024. Committee leaders outlined the work completed over the past year and emphasized Utah’s readiness.

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It’s a message the IOC has consistently praised. “Hosting the Games is an honor and a privilege,” said Fraser Bullock, chair of the Utah 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Committee, during the presentation in the Main Press Center in Milan. Bullock was among several Utah representatives who addressed IOC officials. The session was intended to give an overview of the organizing committee’s progress, including operational planning and ongoing preparations. While other future host cities focused heavily on building new venues, Utah’s delegation highlighted a key advantage: its venues are already built and competition‑ready. But it was the state’s athlete‑focused efforts, particularly the athlete’s family initiative, that drew the most attention. The program is designed to support families of athletes, many of whom face steep travel costs and limited time to plan because qualification often happens late in the Olympic cycle. Utah 2034 officials said they want to ensure families have a welcoming, affordable place to stay during the Games. “We're going to change that and make it so welcoming for families. And what better place than Utah than to send a message and welcome families,” said Bullock. Brad Wilson, CEO of Utah 2034, said supporting the families who support athletes is central to the state’s approach. “Athletes’ families are the backbone of an athlete’s success in so many different ways,” said Wilson. “So, for us as a community in Utah, for us to put our arms around athletes’ families and support them in a new way, it’s something that everyone is looking forward to.” Despite the committee’s extensive preparation work, IOC officials encouraged Utah to “slow down” and not over‑prepare. But Utah organizers say planning ahead is simply part of the state’s DNA, joking there are only eight years remaining until the Games return to Utah.

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