1976 Olympics
Who says no to hosting the Winter Olympics? Colorado, that's who. In 1967, after furious courting, the International Olympic Committee awarded Denver the 1976 games over sites in Switzerland, Finland and Canada. But as costs ballooned and new construction threatened permanent scars across the landscape, a coalition sprang into action. Led by Dick Lamm, a young state assemblyman, the group declared that little would trickle down into the state economy. And in November 1972, Colorado voters barred state funds from supporting the Games. With no public money, Denver withdrew its bid, the first — and still the only — city to reject the Olympics after an award. That movement launched the political career of Dick Lamm, who would serve three terms as governor and even run for president. And it defined a new Colorado ideal: economic opportunity should be balanced against environmental cost.
About Colorado Postcards
Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. They give brief insights into our people and places, our flora and fauna, and our past and present, from every corner of Colorado. See more postcards.
