Brisbane Olympics bid: Premier, Mayor reveal last-minute Games bid details

Aussie Olympic legend Steven Bradbury says Brisbane is “doing a Bradbury” and he couldn’t be happier, as the Premier and Lord Mayor reveal their final plans just hours before the 2032 Olympics bid decision is made.

Annastacia Palaszczuk and Adrian Schrinner have taken part in last-minute dress rehearsals ahead of tonight’s historic 2032 Olympics bid.

Addressing a breakfast this morning, with Olympians, stakeholders and business leaders, the Premier said she and the Lord Mayor would present Queensland’s bid tonight which would take about an hour.

“No pressure,” the Premier joked live from Tokyo.

“We had a full dress rehearsal last night, many, many hours going through.”

Ms Palaszczuk said the bid had the unity of all levels of government.

“I think we know that we work best when we work together,” she said.

“I have never seen unprecedented support … the Olympics.

“Everyone in my Cabinet is rock solid behind this.”

Brisbane locals attend a Breakfast for Champions event at King George Square. Picture: Maddy Morwood

Saying all regions of Queensland will be involved should the bid be successful, Ms Palaszczuk said it was the Sunshine State’s time to shine.

The Lord Mayor said it was worth its weight in gold, and that an Olympics would be a game changer for the state and city.

Winter Olympics gold medallist Steven Bradbury says Brisbane is “doing a Bradbury”, but he couldn’t be happier.

City slickers, eager young hopefuls and athletes past and present gathered this morning at King George Square for a free ‘Breakfast of Champions’ as the countdown for Brisbane’s Olympic 2032 dream nears its end.

Winter Olympics gold medallist Steven Bradbury says Brisbane is “doing a Bradbury”, but he couldn’t be happier. Picture: Maddy Morwood

Bradbury became the first Australian to win gold at the Winter Olympics after his four competitors collided, and has no problem comparing his win to Brisbane’s bid.

“It’s a race with what appears to be only one competitor,” he said.

“I think there’s a specific reason why there isn’t any other cities bidding - because what’s the point in bidding against Australia?

“We’re gonna win anyway!”

Green and gold strung across the town square, there was a buzz about the city that Olympic gold medallist Sara Carrigan says “only the Olympics can give you”.

Mr Bradbury said the announcement could not come at a better time for his home city, and country.

“The Olympics is one of the few extremely positive things the world has left,” he said.

“To know that my home town is potentially going to become an Olympic city, it’s a special feeling.”

The former speed skater reminisced on his time in Sydney in the lead up to the 2000 Games, which he says completely changed the atmosphere of the city.

“People said hello to each other on the streets, which they never do in Sydney,” he said.

“It really creates that closer connection of one human to another.”

Year 6 student at Marish Ashgrove College Connor Campbell, is an aspiring track and field athlete who spent the morning soaking in the atmosphere and talking to past Olympians for inspiration.

“I’ll be twenty-three in 2032, and it would be so cool if I could represent Australia at the Olympics,” he said.

Cyclist Ms Carrigan, who won gold in 2004 in Athens, said that the excitement that surrounded the Games in Brisbane was introducing young children to more sports than ever.

“You can just see that glint in their eye where it has ignited that spark of passion,” she said.

“You see it on TV and think, can I even do that? And then you realise it is tangible and kids can think, I can make my dreams come true.”