The 2002 Winter Olympics were held in Salt Lake City , United States , hosting 77 nations and 2,399 athletes in 78 events in 7 sports . These Games were the first to take place since the September 11 attacks of 2001 , which meant a higher degree of security to avoid a terrorist attack . The opening ceremony saw signs of the aftermath of the events of that day , including the flag that flew at Ground Zero , and honour guards of NYPD and FDNY members
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Winter Olympic Games