16-year-old figure skater represents Utah in Paris for 2034 Winter Olympics pitch

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — The Utah Olympic committee is making its final bid in Paris for the 2034 Winter Games.

KUTV’s Kristen Kenney caught up with sixteen-year-old Utah figure skater Kate Pressgrove who received a once in a lifetime invitation to join the Utah delegation in Paris for the final pitch.

“Utah is where I grew up and what inspired me to get into skating,” she told Kenney.

Shortly after Pressgrove learned to walk, she was on skates. “I was pretty much marching around and falling down,” she described of her two-year-old self. Now, this Heber, Utah teen is skating at the highest level for her age.

“Last season, I was in the top 25 nationwide at my level,” Pressgrove said.

This season, the accomplished figure skater has even bigger dreams. “This season I am competing to qualify for Nationals and hopefully join Team USA,” she said with excitement.

Pressgrove is getting an early preview of the Olympics as she dons her Team USA suit and travels to Paris to support Utah’s final bid for the 2034 games, a pinch yourself moment she describes. “I am so excited to be doing this. I am really hoping to see Simone Biles.”

Her schedule in Paris will keep her very busy from rubbing elbows with big wigs to participating in a youth forum with a primary message to convey.

“How fabulous Utah is for the games. Our facilities are world class, and we have such a great community,” Pressgrove adds.

In ten years, Pressgrove will be 26, with a dream of competing at the games in her home state.

“I am hoping to be at the 2034 Olympics competing and representing the US.”

Until then, this teenager looks forward to savoring a slice of Parisian life in between her duties in Paris.

Is there any cuisine you are looking forward to having in Paris, Kenney asks.