Reno/Tahoe bid for 2018 Olympics unlikely, CEO says

TAHOE CITY, Calif. - Chicago's lost 2016 Summer Olympics bid last week doesn't necessarily help - or hurt - a potential bid from the Reno-Tahoe Winter Game Coalition.

However, it's doubtful a bid will be accepted by next week's U.S. Olympic Committee deadline for the 2018 games.

"A bid for 2018 doesn't look likely," said Jon Killoran, the Reno-based CEO of the RTWGC. "But, our bid's never been ... dead. We've been prepping our bid all along and will be ready when and if our chance comes."

He said the committee continues to work toward a future bid, whether in 2022 or beyond.

In the meantime, he said the committee is focused on bringing athletic events to the region that will showcase the area to the USOC and International Olympic Committee's voters.

In December, Reno hosts the Junior Olympics Cross Country running championship.

"While it's a summer sport, a lot of the voters are more connected to the summer games, so it's a chance to show them what this area can offer," Killoran said.

He said the group is continuing to work with Tahoe-area resorts to host events which will attract attention and boost the chances for a successful Reno-Tahoe bid.