Utah 2034 is mourning the passing of Colin Hilton, the president and CEO of the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, who was a central figure in the state's Olympic history. Hilton, who played a key role in preparing the state for the return of the Games, died in late August 2026.
Loss of an Olympic Leader
Brad Wilson, CEO of Utah 2034, expressed deep heartbreak over the loss of Hilton, noting that Hilton's knowledge and commitment improved the organization's work. Wilson stated that Hilton's influence on the Olympic and Paralympic community in Utah will be felt for years to come.
A Legacy of Service
Fraser Bullock, president and executive chair of Utah 2034, described Hilton as a dear friend of 27 years and a true professional during the 2002 Winter Games. Bullock noted that Hilton's work in elevating Utah's Olympic legacy was unparalleled and helped secure the bid for the 2034 Games.
Anniversary of the Bid
The passing of Hilton follows the second anniversary of Utah receiving the bid award from the International Olympic Committee. On July 24, 2024, the IOC recognized Utah to host the 2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, which are scheduled to begin on February 10, 2034.
Fundraising and Planning
The organizing committee is currently in Strategic Horizon One, a planning phase extending to 2030 focused on establishing organizational and financial foundations. To support this, the committee launched the Podium34 fundraising initiative, which aims to raise $300 million. As of September 2025, the program had already reported over $200 million in commitments from founding donors.
Philanthropic Support
The Podium34 program includes several Founding Captains contributing $20 million or more, such as the Daniels Fund, the Huntsman Family Foundation, and Maverik. Other major contributors include the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation and the Larry H. Miller Family Foundation.
Youth Sports Initiatives
Utah 2034 has also prioritized community impact through initiatives like the Utah Youth Sports Giving Day. On August 22, 2026, the organization announced its financial support for this campaign, which runs from Sept. 12-26, to support youth sports nonprofits across the state.
Organizational Structure
The organizing committee maintains a variety of advisory and standing committees to manage the Games. These include committees for finance, ethics, and host communities, as well as specialized groups for education and technology.
