New York Legislators Look to Bring Olympics Back to Lake Placid

Competitiors in the men's 5,000 meter event at the 1984 Olympic Summer Games in Los Angeles circle past the Olympic torch during the race on August 11, 1984. Los Angeles in 2028 will join London and Paris as the only three-time hosts of the Olympic Summer Games. (AP Photo, File)

As the the most recent U.S. city to host the Olympic Winter Games is in the midst of bidding to host for a second time, the only two-time U.S. host of a Winter Games is taking the first steps to explore the feasibility of a potential third bid.

A motion to create a Commission to explore Lake Placid’s ability to host another Winter Games has been passed by the New York State Assembly as the New York destination prepares to host the 2023 International University Sports Federation Winter World University Games.

Related Stories

The World University Games, scheduled from January 12–22, 2023, will have approximately 1,600 athletes from 50 nations participating. Lake Placid’s awarding of the event has led the Olympic Regional Development Authority to upgrade facilities throughout the village that has hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980.

The Bill was drafted by state representative Billy Jones from the Adirondacks region. The measure also requires approval from the New York State Senate and signing off by Governor Kathy Hochul.

“Considering the 2023 World University Games will have twice as many competitions as the 1980 Olympics, ORDA’s facilities are more than equipped to host the Winter Olympics,” Jones told North County Public Radio.

Jones’ co-sponsor on the legislation is Brooklyn state representative Robert Carroll, who is encouraging the state to consider co-hosting the games between two major cities.

“With ORDA facilities ready to host Olympic competitions, including high-cost facilities like a ski jump and a bobsled track, it is the perfect time to contemplate partnering Lake Placid with New York City, where there are world-class arenas like Madison Square Garden, the Barclays Center and the UBS Arena which are ready to host events such as hockey, figure skating, speed skating and curling,” Carroll told the Plattsburgh Press-Republican.

As part of the preparations for the World University Games, U.S. athletes in luge, bobsled and skeleton can take advantage of a new ice house at Mount Van Hoevenberg and the speedskating rink is getting a complete makeover.

And 40-plus years after the ‘Miracle on Ice,’ the Lake Placid Convention & Visitors Bureau’s venue tracking shows that the Games remain a top reason tourists visit, CVB President and Chief Executive Officer Jim McKenna said last year.

“Our door is being knocked on for all the winter sports now,” McKenna said. “The Olympic legacy as a winter sports destination has allowed us to position ourselves not only currently for success in the world of winter sports competition but more importantly in the future.”