Utah 2034 Organizers Host Gathering for Olympic Athletes and Families in Milan

Governor Cox and businesswoman Gail Miller welcome U.S. athletes and their families to the Starbucks Winter House in Milan during the 2034 Winter Olympics.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Utah organizers, including Governor Spencer Cox and businesswoman Gail Miller, hosted an event for U.S. Olympic athletes and their families at the Starbucks Winter House in Milan during the 2034 Winter Games. The athletes and families got to mingle, enjoy refreshments, and watch the Olympics on TV. The event was part of Utah's efforts to make the 2034 Games more family-focused, including plans for the first-ever Olympic family village at the University of Utah.

Why it matters

The Utah 2034 organizers are making a concerted effort to put families at the center of the Winter Olympics experience, in contrast to the more isolated nature of the Games for athletes and their loved ones. This family-first approach is seen as a key part of Utah's bid to host the 2034 Olympics and differentiate the event from past Games.

The details

The event at the Starbucks Winter House allowed athletes and their families to hear from Governor Cox, Gail Miller, and other Utah 2034 organizers. The organizers discussed their plans to create the first-ever Olympic family village at the University of Utah for the 2034 Games, aiming to bring athletes and their loved ones together in a dedicated space. The gathering also gave athletes like eight-time medalist Apolo Ohno a chance to mingle with the current crop of Olympians and their families.

  • The event took place on Sunday, February 9, 2026 during the Milan Cortina Olympics.
  • The 2034 Winter Olympics are scheduled to be held in Utah.

The players

Spencer Cox

The Governor of Utah, who is helping lead the state's efforts to host the 2034 Winter Olympics.

Gail Miller

A Utah businesswoman who is involved in the organization of the 2034 Winter Olympics in Utah.

Apolo Ohno

An eight-time Olympic medalist who was mingling with current Olympians and their families at the event.

Tom and Dawn Stoppelmoore

Parents of U.S. speed skater Zach Stoppelmoore, who were attending their son's first Olympic Games.

Tom and Tammy Dunne

Parents of U.S. women's hockey player Joy Dunne, who is the youngest player on the Team USA roster.

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What they’re saying

“We have four kids and none of them are good athletes, and we spend all of our time driving them to athletic events. … I can't imagine the sacrifice and dedication of all the family members here, the time, effort and tears.”

— Spencer Cox, Governor of Utah (Park Record)

“The plans that we're looking for in Utah in 2034 is to have a place for the families to come and be housed among their athletes.”

— Gail Miller, Utah Businesswoman (Park Record)

“It was super cool. It was probably the thing that I looked most forward to, even more than watching him race because it was that feeling of him representing the U.S. It's just something that's been his dream.”

— Dawn Stoppelmoore, Parent of U.S. Speed Skater (Park Record)

What’s next

The Utah 2034 organizers plan to continue developing their vision for the first-ever Olympic family village at the University of Utah, aiming to make the 2034 Winter Games more family-focused than past Olympics.

The takeaway

Utah's family-first approach to hosting the 2034 Winter Olympics, including plans for an Olympic family village, sets it apart from past Games and reflects the state's emphasis on supporting athletes and their loved ones throughout the event.