ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - The state of New York is taking steps to explore the possibility of bidding for the co-hosting rights of a future Winter Olympics, with Lake Placid and New York City as potential venues. This announcement was made by Governor Kathy Hochul's office on Monday, signifying a move towards a dual-hosting format similar to what was used by Milan and Cortina during the recent Winter Olympics.
The proposal does not specify a year for the potential event; however, with the 2034 Winter Games already awarded to Salt Lake City and Switzerland being the favored candidate for 2038, the earliest feasible opportunity for New York to host would likely be in 2042. Hochul emphasized the urgency of reviving the Olympic spirit in New York, stating, "The time is now to return the Olympic flame back to New York."
Lake Placid has a rich Olympic history, having hosted the Winter Games in both 1932 and 1980. The 1980 Games are particularly memorable due to the "Miracle on Ice," where the underdog U.S. hockey team triumphed over the Soviet Union on home soil. Lake Placid also served as a contingency location for sliding sports during the recent Olympics in Cortina, due to construction delays at the primary venue.
The exploratory committee that has been formed will take approximately one year to assess the feasibility and potential of bidding for the Olympics. It is important to note that the formation of this committee does not officially confirm New York's participation in the bidding process. Ashley Walden, the president and CEO of the Olympic Regional Development Authority, has been appointed as the chair of the committee.
Climate considerations play a significant role in the selection of host cities for future Winter Olympics. According to a recent climate change study, Lake Placid is one of the few cities among former hosts that is expected to have reliable weather conditions suitable for hosting the Games by 2050. This aspect adds an extra layer of validation for New York's bid, should it move forward.
The upcoming 2030 Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place in the French Alps. New York's initiative to explore a bid reflects a growing trend in the global sporting community to reassess potential hosting sites, particularly in light of climate challenges faced by established venues.
