Rowing at 2032 Olympics to Take Place in Croc-Filled River

A Queensland river better known for crocodile warning signs than racing buoys is now officially on the 2032 Olympic map. The International Olympic Committee on Thursday signed off on the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton as the rowing and canoeing venue for the Brisbane Games, with Queensland Premier David Crisafulli telling Parliament the waterway passed an independent technical review "with flying colors," per the Australian AP. World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide endorsed the decision after site inspections and a marine engineering assessment that found the river could safely host an eight-lane, 2,000-meter course without dredging.

The move ends months of friction with athletes and national federations who pushed for a southeast Queensland alternative over concerns about currents, flooding, and silt, as well as fairness and sustainability issues. Nine.com.au reports that about 6,000 people had signed a petition asking for the venue change. BBC Sport notes that the Fitzroy is a habitat for about 500 saltwater crocs, but the assessment didn't analyze the crocodile issue, instead focusing on "how the course would perform under a range of conditions, weather patterns, water levels, and flood risk." With the green light now in hand, the state says detailed design and construction can begin.