Lessons on Sustaining Olympic Success from Squaw Valley’s 1960 Winter Games

The 1960 Winter Olympics at Squaw Valley, now known as Olympic Valley, were a significant milestone in Olympic history, marking a successful hosting effort by a previously underdeveloped resort. Alexander Cushing, the resort’s owner, played a pivotal role in securing the Games through a combination of strategic lobbying and the display of a 3,000-pound model at the U.S. Embassy. The Games, held in February 1960 after the initial snowstorm, were recognized for their organization and the involvement of Walt Disney, whose creative contributions included the televised opening ceremony and the Tower of Nations structure. However, the post-Olympic period saw a decline in the area’s sustained success, highlighting the challenges of maintaining achievement. Despite the initial success, the resort faced difficulties in continued investment and infrastructure development, leading to the decline of key Olympic facilities and the absence of international events for over 40 years. This contrasted with other host cities like Lake Placid, which maintained their Olympic legacy through continued investment and hosting subsequent Games and events. The article emphasizes the importance of perseverance and ongoing effort to maintain success, drawing from the lessons of Squaw Valley’s Olympic history.