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

Queensland's Fitzroy River, known for its population of saltwater crocodiles, has been selected as a potential venue for rowing events in the 2032 Sydney Olympics. Over 600 young rowers from across Australia are set to compete in the city of Rockhampton, despite the presence of the reptiles in the river. While the possibility of crocodile attacks has been dismissed as a major concern, issues regarding fairness and infrastructure have been raised by influential figures in the sport.

The river's natural bends and currents have been cited as making it unsuitable for elite competition, with some rowers even speculating about the potential impact of flooding on the event. However, the World Rowing and Olympic committees have ultimately approved the Fitzroy River as a viable location for the rowing competitions, emphasizing the need to address safety measures and ensure fair racing conditions.