River home to 500 crocodiles confirmed as 2032 Olympic rowing venue
The Fitzroy River in Queensland, home to roughly 500 saltwater crocodiles, has been confirmed as the rowing and canoe venue for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. An independent technical review deemed the site suitable, though the crocodiles themselves were not part of that assessment.
Rowers and canoeists competing at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics will face an unusual venue: the Fitzroy River in Queensland, home to an estimated 500 saltwater crocodiles, some of which can grow longer than six metres.
A review that left crocodiles out
The river was deemed suitable for hosting Olympic and Paralympic events following an independent technical assessment. Experts examined weather conditions, water levels, flood risk, and whether the course could guarantee fair racing conditions for all competitors. Notably, the presence of crocodiles itself was not part of that evaluation.
Organisers point out that the river is already used for rowing training and competitions, and that specific response plans have been developed for situations where a crocodile is spotted during an event. World Rowing, the international governing body, has already given the course its approval.
Mixed reactions from athletes
Brisbane Olympics organising committee president Andrew Liveris has previously compared the crocodile concern to sharks in the ocean — they live there, yet people keep surfing regardless. Three-time Olympic rowing champion Drew Ginn responded with humour, saying he believes crocodiles would simply make athletes row faster.
Ginn, however, said he is more concerned about potential flooding and whether all athletes will face equal conditions on the course. He also pointed to the considerable distance between the venue and Brisbane. Despite these reservations, the Fitzroy River currently holds approval to host the rowing and canoe events at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
