This Olympic river has 500 crocodiles in it - but that's not the main concern

The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, Australia, is home to around 500 saltwater crocodiles, each capable of growing up to four metres in length. Despite the presence of these reptiles, there have been no recorded attacks on humans. The annual rowing regatta for schools on the river is largely unnoticed by the media, but this year, the venue is in the spotlight due to its potential hosting of rowing and canoe sprint events for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics.

While the reptiles might seem like a significant concern, state government files show no instances of crocodile attacks on humans over the past 40 years. The main worries for rowing officials, including British Rowing's chief executive Tom Solesbury and Australian Olympic medalist Drew Ginn, are fairness due to the river's natural bends and currents, and potential flooding and integrity of the venue.

Despite these concerns, the Fitzroy River has passed a technical assessment and been endorsed as safe and fair for athletes. The decision was made by World Rowing and the International Olympic Committee, after assessing the riverbed, competition course, river flows, water levels, and weather conditions for the Games.