River home to 500 crocodiles chosen as Olympic rowing venue
The Fitzroy River in Queensland has been approved as the rowing venue for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, despite concerns regarding the presence of 500 saltwater crocodiles. Officials maintain that technical assessments confirm the site's suitability for fair competition.
Why it matters
Illustrates the logistical challenges and safety debates involved in hosting major international sporting events in diverse natural environments.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Saltwater crocodiles are the largest reptiles on the planet
A river that is home to about 500 saltwater crocodiles has been given the OK to host Olympic and Paralympic rowing and canoeing events at the 2032 Brisbane Games.
The course on the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, Queensland, has passed an independent technical assessment into its suitability.
The assessment did not consider the crocodiles but instead looked at "how the course would perform under a range of conditions, weather patterns, water levels and flood risk at both Games time and throughout the period leading into the Games".
The report was commissioned by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA), which noted , external that the Fitzroy River Flatwater Facility "is already a training and competition venue for flatwater sports, supporting school state championships, local regattas, and national team training camps".
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