Colin led UOLF for over two decades, dedicating his life and career to ensuring that the legacy of Utah’s 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games remained not only alive but thriving in the years that followed. He believed the measure of these venues was not simply that they were preserved, but that they continued to be used by athletes, coaches, families, and communities. That belief shaped UOLF under Colin’s leadership.

Under his leadership, the Utah Olympic Park, Utah Olympic Oval, and Soldier Hollow Nordic Center became enduring centers for sport, recreation, and community use. In addition to the venues, Colin’s leadership with the Park City community facilitated the creation of the Park City Ski and Snowboard combining eight Wasatch Back ski clubs into a single entity impacting sport development at the Utah Olympic Park. Colin served as a trusted voice across Utah’s Olympic and winter-sport community. His influence also extended into Utah’s Olympic future, bringing decades of experience and institutional knowledge to the work surrounding Utah 2034 and helping connect the legacy of the 2002 Games with the opportunity to welcome the world back to Utah.

For those of us who worked with Colin, this loss is deeply personal. He was a passionate leader, a committed advocate for sport and community, and most importantly, a friend whose influence will be felt for years to come.

Our immediate focus is on supporting Colin’s family and the UOLF team as they process this loss. His family has asked for space and privacy at this time. Information regarding a service will be shared when it becomes available.

The UOLF Board has asked Calum Clark to serve as acting CEO and President. UOLF’s leadership team and general managers remain in place, and the organization’s work and operations continue.

Natalie Gochnour, Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation Board Chair, said: “Colin’s remarkable leadership benefited our entire state as he served as a steward of Utah’s living Olympic legacy. He more than anyone else ensured that Utah’s Olympic imprint remained active, relevant, future-oriented, and connected to the communities it serves. His considerable talents were only surpassed by his love of family, for UOLF colleagues, and for the community at large. On behalf of the UOLF board, we extend our love to Colin’s family and the many people who had the privilege of working at his side.”

Calum Clark, Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation Chief Operating Officer, said: “I’m struggling to find the right words for the loss of Colin. He was my colleague, my leader and most importantly my friend. Colin was a long-time mentor before he became my boss. I learned an enormous amount from him, and I know I’m only one of many people whose lives and careers are better because Colin was part of them. Right now, my heart is with his family and with our UOLF team. We are going to miss him deeply.”

Utah 2034 mourns passing of Colin Hilton

Utah 2034 joins the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation and Colin Hilton’s family in mourning his passing. Hilton, the president and CEO of the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, was part of Utah’s Olympic story for decades. His work helped carry the legacy of the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games forward through the venues, programs and relationships that continue to serve athletes and communities across the state.

Hilton brought that same experience to Utah 2034, where his knowledge of the venues and the people behind them was an important part of the work to prepare for the Games’ return. Few people understood more clearly what it took to turn an Olympic legacy into something that remained useful and relevant long after the closing ceremony.

For those who worked with Colin, his loss is deeply personal. He brought energy, conviction and a long view to the work, and he built relationships across Utah and the Olympic and Paralympic Movement that will endure. Utah 2034 stands with Colin’s family and our colleagues at UOLF as they process this loss.

Brad Wilson, CEO, Utah 2034, said: “I’m heartbroken by the loss of Colin Hilton. Colin gave decades of his life to Utah’s Olympic Movement and helped turn the legacy of the 2002 Games into something that continues to serve athletes and communities every day. I was fortunate to work closely with Colin as we prepared to welcome the world back to Utah in 2034. His knowledge, energy, and commitment made our work better, and his influence on this state and the Olympic and Paralympic community will be felt for years to come. My wife Jeni and I are thinking of Colin’s family, friends, and the entire Legacy Foundation team during this difficult time.”

Fraser Bullock, President & Executive Chair, Utah 2034, said: “I know I speak for the Olympic and Paralympic Movement in mourning the loss of our friend and colleague Colin Hilton. Colin was a dear friend for 27 years and a true professional for us at the 2002 Winter Games. He played a key role in helping us win the bid for the 2034 Games. But where he really excelled was in elevating our legacy and bringing real value to communities. His legacy work is unparalleled in the world. He also used his role to bring together national and international winter sports leaders, strengthening our Utah 2034 team and adding greater value to all sports.”

— Organizing Committee for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games