Governor Hochul Convenes First Meeting to Advance Evaluation of 2042 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

New York City Deputy Mayor Julie Su said, "This summer, New York showed the world that we can not only host a major sporting event, but compete with the best of them. Today's Olympic exploratory committee launch is about building upon that legacy, identifying new growth opportunities, and making sure working people are at the center of every effort - big or small."

Lake Placid Mayor Art Devlin said, "Lake Placid is excited for the Exploratory Committee to be having their first face-to-face meeting. With the recent upgrades to our Olympic venues, our facilities are amongst the best in the world and are ready to go. Lake Placid is very proud to have hosted the 1932 and 1980 games and are looking forward to the possibility of adding a third Olympics to our heritage."

Building on New York's Olympic Legacy

Lake Placid hosted the Olympic Winter Games in 1932 and 1980 and continues to welcome international competitions, national teams and visitors from around the world. More than $750 million in State investments has modernized the region's Olympic sports infrastructure, supporting year-round recreation, athlete development and international competition.

Together with New York City's global connectivity, world-class venues, hospitality capacity and experience hosting major international events, these existing assets provide a foundation for exploring a modern, regional approach to hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

$2.5 Million for Monument to a Miracle

Governor Hochul also announced $2.5 million in State funding to support Monument to a Miracle, a project commemorating two historic achievements of the 1980 Olympic Winter Games: the U.S. Olympic Men's Hockey Team's Miracle on Ice victory and Eric Heiden's unprecedented five speed skating gold medals.

The $5.2 million project will feature 20 life-sized bronze figures with a gold patina celebrating atop a granite victory podium outside the Herb Brooks Arena at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid where the Miracle on Ice took place. The monument will include the team members' names, quotes from legendary coach Herb Brooks and interactive podium sections designed for visitor photographs. The project also includes a separate statue honoring Eric Heiden.

Scheduled for unveiling in February 2030, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the 1980 Olympic Winter Games, the monument will preserve the legacy of the Miracle on Ice and create a lasting experience for future generations of visitors, athletes and fans.

President of the Friends of the 1980 Miracle on Ice Hockey Team Jeff Potter said, "We are grateful to Governor Hochul and New York State for this important investment in preserving Lake Placid's Olympic legacy. These two monuments honoring the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Hockey Team and five-time Olympic gold medalist Eric Heiden will celebrate extraordinary achievements from the 1980 Winter Games. Together, they will ensure these remarkable stories continue to inspire future generations."

Assemblymember Robert Carroll said, "For years, I have worked to advance a New York City-Lake Placid Winter Games that connects our urban and rural communities and builds on the extraordinary venues we already have. I'm excited to take this next step, and I thank Governor Hochul for bringing together the expertise and leadership to move this vision forward. Together, we will examine how to deliver Olympic and Paralympic Games that use existing venues and temporary facilities, protect taxpayers, preserve our environment and, most importantly, create lasting opportunities for New Yorkers from Brooklyn to Lake Placid."