American Salt Lake City will host the Winter Olympics in 2034. The IOC voted it through today.
But despite the fact that the city in Utah, which also hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002, was the only candidate, it was not without some drama at the congress where the decision was to be made.
USA in conflict with Wada
This is because of the conflict that exists between the United States and the international anti-doping organization Wada.
The US anti-doping organization Usada has accused Wada of covering up the doping scandal from 2021, when 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for doping – but were not punished and were allowed to go to Tokyo and compete at the Olympics.
The IOC wants to influence the FBI
The FBI has since launched an investigation into the matter, and Wada has threatened legal action against Usada following their critical statements.
These topics came up in the run-up to the 2034 Olympics vote, when it was revealed that the IOC has pressured representatives of the US Olympic Committee to pressure the FBI to end their investigation.
“The only way”
John Coates, vice president of the IOC, also said that they have changed the organizer’s contract and introduced wording that allows the IOC to remove the organizer if Wada is not respected and their integrity is undermined.
– We agree that if the US does not support, or breaks WADA’s rules, we and the US can get rid of the games. That was the only way we could guarantee they would be awarded the games, Utah Governor Spencer Cox said after the award, according to the AP news agency.