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Olympic leaders set to choose host city for 2022 Winter Games

Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, makes opening remarks at the IOC session in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday.

Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, makes opening remarks at the IOC session in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday.

(Vincent Thian / Associated Press)
By David Wharton
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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 Numerous candidates have withdrawn over cost concerns, leaving only Beijing and Almaty in the running.

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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.

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David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

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