The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) announced Tuesday it won’t be bidding for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, but will consider the 2024 Summer or 2026 Winter Games instead.
Scott Blackmun, USOC CEO, said going after an Olympics 12 or 16 years from now would give the USOC a better chance to put together a winning bid, adding that hosting the Games is still of great importance.
Reno-Tahoe, Denver and Salt Lake City were all exploring a 2022 Winter bid.
Last week the Denver Olympic Exploratory Committee voted unanimously in support of pursuing the 2022 Winter Games. Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said in a joint statement, “we are disappointed the world won’t come to Denver for a Winter Games in 2022. But we appreciate the thoughtful approach taken by the U.S. Olympic Committee to bring the Games back to America.
“We respect the USOC’s process and will continue to work closely with the committee on bringing great sporting events to Colorado and further our reputation as a healthy and active state. The City of Denver and the State of Colorado stand ready to consider a bid for the Winter Games if the opportunity presents itself again”.
