A river in Australia that is home to about 500 saltwater crocodiles has been approved to host rowing and canoeing events at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane.
The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, Queensland, passed an independent technical assessment on its suitability as a competition venue.
The assessment did not focus on the crocodiles. Instead, it examined how the river would perform under different weather conditions, water levels and flood risks during the Games and in the years leading up to the event.
The assessment was commissioned by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA).
According to the authority, the Fitzroy River Flatwater Facility is already used for rowing and canoeing competitions. It hosts school championships, local regattas and training camps for national teams.
As an established rowing venue, organisers already have plans for dealing with crocodile sightings during competitions. Olympic officials have also previously been assured that measures are in place to protect athletes.
World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide, formerly known as the International Canoe Federation, have both endorsed the venue.
World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland said the technical assessment showed that the Fitzroy River could provide fair competition conditions during the Games.
Paddle Worldwide President Thomas Konietzko also said the technical work had improved their understanding of the venue and provided confidence that it could deliver fair conditions for canoe sprint athletes.
Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris previously played down concerns about crocodiles at the river.
“There are sharks in the ocean and we’re still surfing,” he said, adding that the issue should be approached with a positive mindset.
Speaking on Thursday after the venue received approval, Liveris said the endorsement provided more certainty as organisers moved into the next stage of venue planning and Games preparations.
Saltwater crocodiles, commonly known as “salties” in Australia, can live in both freshwater and saltwater. They can grow to more than six metres long.
However, three time Olympic rowing gold medallist Drew Ginn remains concerned about the venue.
Speaking to BBC Radio, Ginn raised concerns about possible flooding,
fairness of competition and the experience of athletes and spectators. He also questioned the distance between Rockhampton and Brisbane.
Ginn said he was not personally afraid of Australian wildlife but admitted that he had never been close to a crocodile.
He also questioned whether crocodiles should be removed from the river and whether international rowing should expose athletes to such risks.
Ginn further expressed concerns that differences in water conditions between lanes could affect races decided by very small margins.
He also argued that the distance of Rockhampton from Brisbane could affect the overall Olympic experience for athletes and spectators.
