Paris 2024 had the Seine and its share of controversy over water quality. Brisbane 2032 will have the Fitzroy, which is also sure to be a talking point. Its waters are inhabited by crocodiles, which has fueled fantasies in recent months. Its current and racing conditions are also a source of debate within the Olympic Movement. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli is still adamant: the rowing and canoe sprint events will indeed take place in Rockhampton in seven years.
Crocodiles moved when necessary?
The river is no stranger to boats, as the national rowing team regularly trains there. But it's also no stranger to crocodiles. A 4-meter-long specimen was spotted in the area in 2023, and the Fitzroy is known to be frequented by reptiles. The announcement of the site's selection immediately caused a stir, and the British Rowing Federation poked fun at the idea on April 1st by publishing an article on the best ways to train for rowing among reptiles.
« British Rowing has contacted reptile experts and Salford City Council to explore a bold new plan to introduce crocodiles into the River Irwell to improve the preparation of the next generation of British rowing medalists. Under the proposal, up to three breeding pairs of crocodiles could be relocated to Salford Quays later this year. ", we could then read.
Nathaniel Reilly-O'Donnell, British Rowing's director of studies, even added ironically: " The best preparation shouldn't be reserved for those who can afford access to their own crocodile-infested waters. We're here to help young people from all backgrounds reach the podium, and this initiative is part of a broader plan to maintain our world-leading advantage in how we prepare athletes for international success. » Beyond the fantasies, the rowers who frequent the river have not reported any recent incidents. David Crisafulli also specified that the government could capture and relocate these crocodiles if necessary. Nothing really concerning, then.
The 'threat' of relocation to Penrith
Another, much more thorny problem arises: that of the conditions of competition. When I saw the site, I thought it was a great training venue, but it's a river, there's a current, so it's not right. I don't see how World Rowing could approve it. ", commented New Zealander Ross Tong, Olympic medalist in 1984. A concern shared by the Australian Rowing Federation.
« Obviously, if there is current, the deeper or central part of the river is usually faster than the sides, Rowing Australia CEO Sarah Cook pointed out in March. Since a rowing course is eight to ten lanes wide, the middle lanes would be faster than the outer lanes, which would be unfair to the competitors. » In August 2024, the State School Championships, scheduled for Rockhampton, also had to be postponed due to heavy rain. This is yet another argument in the bag for those advocating for another option.
The report by the Independent Games Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) recommended that the competitions be held at the Sydney International Centre in Penrith, as in 2000. The Lake Wyaralong track had also been studied. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese himself questioned this in June: Are we really going to row in Rockhampton, on the Fitzroy, when there are very good facilities in Penrith? »
The idea obviously does not please Crisafulli, who is reluctant to let part of the tests go to a state other than Queensland. Rocky has long hosted rowing championships. If the venue is good enough for Central Queensland kids to compete here, it's certainly good enough for Pierre de Paris to compete. " he said last week, as reported by Brisbane TimesWorld Rowing is due to visit the site soon to assess the venue and competition conditions. The IF was cautious in March, recalling that " Fitzroy had not been the subject of a technical feasibility study which would confirm its capacity to host races at national or international level " Politicians have their own ideas, but in this case, it is sport that will set the course.
