'Such an honor': Ski champion Lindsey Vonn helps to bring the 2034 Olympics home to the U.S.

PARIS (ABC4) -- Lindsey Vonn, one of the most decorated alpine skiers of her generation, was only 17 when she competed at her first Winter Olympics in 2002. The location was Salt Lake City, and she strove to compete there as soon as it was declared.

On Wednesday, at age 39, Vonn leaped with enthusiasm before a crowd in Paris after the International Olympic Committee announced the Winter Games were returning to Utah’s capital in 2034.

“This is probably the most excited I’ve been since I retired from ski racing,” she told ABC4.

Vonn was part of Utah’s bid committee, which included Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. Photos from the event showed Vonn wiping away tears afte...