Could the Olympic flame return to New York?
Governor Kathy Hochul announced this week that the state has taken the first major step toward a possible bid for the 2042 Winter Olympics. An exploratory committee will spend the next year evaluating the feasibility of hosting the Games through a partnership between Lake Placid and New York City.
"The time is now to return the Olympic flame back to New York," Hochul said. "Milano Cortina showcased the immense possibility that comes with a dual-city Olympic Games. It's clear we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build on Lake Placid's Olympic legacy, New York City's global platform, and the strengths that make our state unique."
According to the governor's office, the committee will study whether a modern Winter Games model built around existing venues, sustainability, fiscal responsibility and community engagement could benefit the state through tourism, economic growth and infrastructure development. The process is being conducted with the knowledge of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.
State officials stressed that the formation of the committee does not represent a formal bid, but rather an effort to gather public input and determine whether pursuing the Games makes sense.
The effort will be led by Ashley Walden, president and CEO of the Olympic Regional Development Authority.
"Few places can match the combination of Olympic heritage, world-class venues and global reach found in New York State," Walden said. "We are committed to approaching the Exploratory Committee's work thoughtfully, transparently and with broad stakeholder engagement."
Assemblyman Robert Carroll, one of the visionaries behind the concept, believes New York's combination of urban and rural communities makes it uniquely suited for the Games.
"I've long believed New York City and Lake Placid can tell a uniquely New York story," Carroll said. "Combined with New York City's unmatched venues, transportation network and hospitality infrastructure, New York is uniquely positioned to explore hosting a successful, sustainable and inspiring Winter Games."
Lake Placid previously hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980. If the state ultimately pursues and wins the bid, the Olympics could return to New York for the first time in more than six decades.