What are the odds? Utah leaders weigh in on Olympic bid

What are the chances of Salt Lake City getting the 2022 Winter Games?

“Less than 25 percent,” according to Senate President Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville.

“I think it’s closer to 50,” said Gov. Gary Herbert. “On paper, we look really good.”

But, he said, politics and other factors come into play.

Salt Lake City likely will be up against other western cities such as Denver and Reno-Tahoe for 2022.

“I would like to compete against Denver because they’re quitters. They’ve already had a chance and they just dropped out,” Waddoups said.

He figures Utah’s odds are better for 2026

“I have no idea what the odds are but I think it’s exciting,” House Speaker Becky Lockhart, R-Provo, said. When told how the governor and the Senate president handicapped the bid race, she said, “I’m going to stick with my answer.”
House Majority Leader Brad Dee, R-Ogden, was more specific.

“I’m going to say 35.3,” he said, calling the bid “a great idea. I think what improves our odds is we have venues in place and we can show that we can do it. In this kind of global economy, I think that’s in our favor.”