Olympics ‘snubbed’ gymnastics seeking answers on its uncertain future

As governments wrestle over the ceiling of Olympic spending, one sport is trying to stop the water leaking through a real ceiling, and is urgently calling for support ahead of Brisbane 2032.

Feeling “snubbed’’ as an Olympic sport is one thing … being leaked upon from a great height quite another.

Queensland gymnastics boss Chris Rushton, aggrieved at his sport’s non-mention at last week’s 2032 Olympic Games venues launch in Brisbane, has some timely evidence of the sad state of gymnastics’ home base at Chandler entering a crucial meeting.

A few days after the venues announcement, Brisbane’s big wet triggered a leak in the roof of the Sleeman Sports Complex at Chandler, which dripped on to the floor where the athletes train. Other parts of the venue are off limits due to safety issues.

The sight of a red bucket and a plastic lunch box strategically placed to catch the constant drops embodied the frustration of a sport craving a bit of government love – and money.

Queensland gymnastics centre Chandler has started leaking after recent rain falls. Picture: Supplied

Rushton, no doubt armed with the photo, is set to meet Queensland Minister for the Olympics and Paralympics Tim Mander on Thursday where he will seek urgent clarification from the state regarding a proposed upgrade to Chandler or whether an alternate will have to be chosen.

Rushton said he was “devastated’’ at his sport not being mentioned in the venues announcement and was unsure of the road forward for his sport.

“We are unsure of what our future is for the 2032 Olympics and also post 2032 for our legacy for the sport,’’ Rushton said.

“We put a proposal to government which we had been working on for three and a half years. The last (Labor) government approved that and it was out to tender. Now we are in limbo and are extremely concerned.

Gymnastics is calling for more support and funding. Picture: WinkiPoP Media

“We have 58,000 members – more than Netball Queensland. We expect to have 100,000 members by 2032. We need more facilities and I think this will inhibit that growth.’’

Mander this week conceded there was work to so at the Chandler but defended the venue announcements.

“Let’s just get a bit of context,’’ Mander said.

“The announcements were about the major facilities. There’s 28 core sports and not every one of those were mentioned. Of course we are still working through where they are going to be.

“I have been to that gymnastic centre when I was the shadow minister. It does need work. It does need an upgrade. They’re all wondering where their home will be in the future. They are valid questions and we will go through those discussions this week with them.’’

Originally published as Olympics ‘snubbed’ gymnastics seeking answers on its uncertain future