Australia’s Fitzroy River, home to four-meter crocodiles, has reportedly passed a technical review to host Olympic rowing in the 2032 Games. The river, located 600 km north of Brisbane, was initially criticized for its crocodile population and strong tides. However, after passing a technical assessment by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA), the river is now approved for the events.
Queensland state lawmaker Matt Canavan confirmed the approval, stating that all data is in and there are no barriers to holding rowing events here. He joked that the river is ‘flat as a tack‘ and would be an ideal location for Jesus Christ to return, emphasizing the flatness of the waterway. Despite the presence of crocodiles, the river is used for rowing by schools and a local club, as well as elite training sessions. The Fitzroy River is a natural habitat for saltwater crocodiles, with sightings and reports of four-meter-long specimens near a local golf club located within the Olympic and Paralympic competition area.
Rockhampton Fitzroy Rowing Club President Sarah Black has stated that facilities will be ready to host an Olympic-level regatta before 2032. She emphasized that protocols exist for reporting crocodile sightings, highlighting that coexisting with the animals is part of local life. Athletes are said to be unafraid of crocodiles following open-water competitions at the Paris Olympics, where athletes faced challenges due to the highly-polluted Seine River. Brisbane was awarded the 2032 Summer Olympics in July 2021, making it the third Australian city to host the Games, following Melbourne in 1956 and Sydney in 2000.