Henderson: IOC should go to Europe for ’26 Games and give ’30 Games to Calgary
TORONTO — Two-time Olympian and former International Olympic Committee member Paul Henderson would like to see the IOC follow its own lead when it comes to the selection of host cities for the Games.
The IOC recently broke from tradition by transforming the bid process for the Summer Games by declaring two hosts — Paris in 2024 and Los Angeles in 2028 — at the same time. Speaking on the heels of a plebiscite that essentially scuttled Calgary’s bid plans for 2026, Henderson would like to see winter host announcements handled in a similar fashion.
“I believe what they should do now is give the Winter Games for 2026 to a winter city in Europe and tell Calgary you’re going to get the 2030 Games with no bid,” Henderson said.
Stockholm and a joint Italian bid from Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo remain in the mix for 2026. The IOC will accept bids in January and the election of the host city is set for June.