July 30--With so much attention being paid to an uncertain U.S. bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics, it can be easy to forget that another Games is up for grabs this week.
Representatives from Beijing and Almaty, Kazakhstan, will make their final presentations at an International Olympic Committee session in Malaysia -- beginning about 7:30 p.m. PT Thursday -- with the winner getting to host the 2022 Winter Games.
This has not been a pleasant bidding cycle for the IOC. Numerous candidates have withdrawn over cost concerns, leaving only Beijing and Almaty in the running.
Kazakhstan is trying for its first Olympics. Beijing is hoping to become the first city to host both the Winter and Summer Games.
IOC members will cast their ballots a few hours after hearing from the candidates, with a decision expected around around 3 a.m. PT Friday.
