Current not crocodiles could sink Olympic river venue
Crocodile sightings are common in the river being considered as a venue for Olympic rowing and sprint canoeing, but it’s not the crocs that are the problem.
A crocodile habitat unveiled as an Olympic venue is set to come under the microscope, sparking speculation at least one Brisbane 2032 sport could be held interstate.
Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River is set to be assessed, with an Olympic boss saying it remains to be seen whether it hosts the 2032 Games rowing and sprint canoeing.
The river is home to freshwater crocs, but its current has emerged as the main concern, with the Sydney International Regatta Centre looming if a suitable Queensland venue is not confirmed.
Outgoing International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach was not able to guarantee the river would host rowing after arriving in Brisbane for a landmark meeting, saying the world body would evaluate the venue in July.
IOC heavyweights have gathered in Brisbane to receive updates on the 2032 Games at a three-day meeting starting on Tuesday.
It marks the first time the IOC delegates have visited Australia since Brisbane was unveiled as host almost four years ago.
The Fitzroy River has hosted national team training camps, but eyebrows were raised when it was unveiled as a 2032 venue after the Brisbane blueprint was revealed in March.
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Crocodile sightings are common at the central Queensland site, but organisers have played down speculation that competitors could be attacked.
“It makes for a colourful story. But I think that’s probably not a key concern,” Rowing Australia CEO Sarah Cook told AAP.
“We have schoolkids rowing up there. We put the Australian rowing team out there.
“And look, you know, maybe that gives us a bit of home ground advantage.”
Questions have been asked about the river that has a current, unlike a man-made venue such as the Sydney course.
The Queensland government’s 2032 venue plan opted for the Fitzroy River, ignoring recommendations to hold rowing at the Sydney 2000 host course at Penrith.
Two-time Olympian Cook said the river would have to be assessed against international rowing regatta standards.
Any current that could impact results or favour certain lanes would fall outside the rules, she said.
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“It’s a bit of a waiting game. I think there’s just a lot of unknowns about that venue at the moment,” Cook said.
“It is certainly a concern, I think, for Queensland, that potentially another state could pick up the rowing if there’s not a suitable venue found in Queensland.”
Penrith would be able to host the 2032 rowing if the river was scrapped, said Cook, adding that she hoped a Queensland venue was confirmed to ensure the sport’s legacy.
“That (Penrith) is a fantastic venue. From a Queensland perspective, I can imagine that that’s not an appeal and option for the government,” she said.
“We would love to see a permanent home for rowing in Queensland.
“We think that the legacy out of having an Olympic and Paralympic standard flatwater venue would be incredibly important for … the sport’s future.”
Cook said there were several other rowing host options in Queensland, including Hinze Dam near the Gold Coast and Wyaralong Dam south of Brisbane.
The Australian rowing team are looking to bounce back from their worst Olympic result since 1988 after securing a sole bronze medal at the Paris Games.
Local organisers have impressed at the three-day IOC co-ordination committee meeting also attended by IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry.
“You are building on the commitment to our shared values that unite us in this journey towards a successful Olympic Games,” Mr Bach told the meeting on Tuesday.
“Brisbane 2032 (is) an event where I’m sure … will inspire the world and set a new benchmark for a new era of Olympic Games.”
