**Champion Oarsman Says Brisbane 2032 Rowing Risks Becoming Country Regatta**
Prominent figures in Australian rowing are expressing strong concerns regarding the selection of Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River as the venue for rowing events at the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. Critics argue that the decision, which has been met with skepticism, could lead to a situation where Olympic-level athletes compete in conditions akin to a local regatta, undermining the prestige of the Games.
The Fitzroy River, which is home to approximately 500 crocodiles, has raised significant safety and logistical concerns. Initial apprehensions centered around the presence of these reptiles, but further issues have emerged regarding the river's current, which could affect the fairness of competition. Additionally, the city of Rockhampton, with a population of around 80,000, lacks sufficient accommodation to support the influx of athletes and spectators expected during the Olympics.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli defended the choice, announcing in state parliament that an independent technical review had deemed the Fitzroy River suitable for fair rowing and canoeing competitions. However, many experienced coaches and former elite rowers remain unconvinced. Andrew Butler, a former world championship medallist and a coach with 17 years of experience, criticized the decision, stating, “Without a massive infrastructure spend, it’s just going to be like a country regatta with Olympic athletes.” He questioned the rationale behind selecting a venue located 600 kilometers north of Brisbane, suggesting that it does not offer a better alternative.
Three-time Olympic champion Drew Ginn echoed Butler’s sentiments, expressing concerns about the river's water depth, characteristics, and the risk of flooding, all of which could disrupt the competition. Ginn remarked, “If you have flowing and moving water, that is completely unfair. One lane over another lane can be dramatically different.” He also highlighted the potential for cancellation of races if flooding were to occur during the competition week, questioning the decision to host national championships at a venue that has never hosted such an event before.
In a press release from Brisbane 2032 organizers, World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland was quoted as saying that the venue could deliver fair competition. However, the organization did not release its own statement or the findings of the technical review, prompting calls for transparency from figures like Ginn, who stated, “If there’s good evidence for it and good data for it, then you should be able to make it transparent.”
Rowing Australia acknowledged the completion of the technical review but clarified that neither it nor Rowing Queensland had participated in the process. John Driessen, an Olympic rowing coach and former elite rower, also expressed concerns about the legacy of the Fitzroy River venue. While he noted that the river had worked well for coaching, he cautioned that transforming it into an Olympic-class course would require significant investment and might not yield lasting benefits for Queensland.
Driessen commented on the challenges of maintaining the necessary conditions for a rowing course, stating, “If they’re going to maintain the basic principles of a rowing course with depth and lack of flow, then I think it would be a challenge to achieve that.” He suggested that hosting the rowing events at Moreton Bay, just north of Brisbane, would be a more logical choice, calling it a “no-brainer.”
Butler also favored the original plan to stage rowing at Wyaralong Dam, located 86 kilometers southwest of Brisbane, describing it as “probably the best course I’ve rowed on in Queensland.” He emphasized that investment in such a venue would provide a lasting legacy for the state.
Despite the criticism, Premier Crisafulli remains committed to the idea of including regional cities in the Olympic experience, labeling detractors as “elitist.” He defended the decision by stating, “I thought the Olympics was a sporting event,” underscoring his belief in the importance of sharing the Olympic spirit with communities outside of Brisbane.
As the Brisbane 2032 Olympics approach, the debate over the Fitzroy River venue continues, with prominent figures in the rowing community advocating for a reconsideration of the location to ensure that the Olympic rowing events meet the high standards expected of such a prestigious global competition.