Exploring a Joint Bid: New York State's Potential Winter Olympics Hosting Opportunity
New York State is considering a joint bid to host the Winter Olympics, with Lake Placid and New York City teaming up as co-hosts. Governor Kathy Hochul's office has established an exploratory committee to evaluate the feasibility of this potential bid. The proposed hosting arrangement would follow the example set by Milan and Cortina for the current Games. While no specific year has been set, the earliest opportunity for New York to host would be in 2042, following Salt Lake City in 2034 and Switzerland in 2038.
Governor Hochul has expressed her enthusiasm for the idea, stating that it is time to bring the Olympic Games back to New York. Lake Placid, which has hosted the Games twice before in 1932 and 1980, including the memorable "Miracle on Ice" event, also served as a backup venue for sliding sports in the recent Games. A study on climate change predicts that Lake Placid will have suitable weather conditions for the Games by 2050, unlike many former host cities.
The exploratory committee, led by Ashley Walden, President and CEO of the Olympic Regional Development Authority, will spend approximately a year conducting their assessment. It is important to note that the formation of this committee does not indicate an official bid at this time. The 2030 Olympics are already scheduled to take place in the French Alps.
In conclusion, New York State is exploring the possibility of jointly hosting the Winter Olympics, with Lake Placid and New York City as potential co-hosts. The exploratory committee will evaluate the feasibility of this bid, with a potential hosting year of 2042 being considered. Governor Hochul is supportive of the idea, aiming to bring the Olympic flame back to New York.