In an unforgettable spectacle, the city of Salt Lake City was ablaze with excitement and joy as thousands of Utahns gathered in Washington Square to witness the return of the Olympic Games to the Wasatch Front. The atmosphere was electrifying as the voting process unfolded, culminating in the announcement by IOC President Thomas Bach that the Olympics were coming back to Utah.

With infectious energy, the crowd erupted into cheers and chants of "S-L-C, S-L-C, S-L-C," demonstrating overwhelming support for the Games returning to the state for the first time since 2002. The enthusiasm was palpable as spectators donned USA hats, shirts, and anything red, white, and blue to show their patriotic pride.

Among the jubilant crowd was snowboarder Zach Miller, a Paralympian with aspirations to compete in the 2034 Winter Games. Miller expressed his excitement, stating, "The energy is electric, the crowd was so energetic." The event not only drew avid sports enthusiasts but also captured the attention of esteemed individuals like Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski, who sported a cowboy hat and expressed her exhilaration for Utah, saying, "What a thrill for Utah tonight. I'm just so thrilled to be down here and celebrate with everybody."

Families with ties to the Olympic Games felt an undeniable connection to the historic moment. Snowboarder Izzy Worthington, whose father is a two-time Olympian and sister currently represents the United States, encouraged others to attend the event, exclaiming, "This is never going to happen ever again. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it's never going to come back, so you want to get out here, and it's worth it."

The announcement that Salt Lake City would host the 2034 Winter Games brought immense pride and delight to the local community. Excitement filled the air, setting the stage for an unforgettable chapter in Utah's Olympic legacy.

As the night drew to a close, the echoes of celebration lingered, marking Salt Lake City's triumphant return as a host city for the prestigious Olympic Games. The memories made on this special day will undoubtedly fuel the anticipation and preparation leading up to the highly anticipated 2034 Winter Games.