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RNA to be home of equestrian for Brisbane Olympics 2032

It has been the home of Queensland’s largest event - the EKKA - for 150 years. Now the RNA is about to start its transformation into an Olympic venue.

Brisbane Olympics will bring 'hundreds of thousands of people here'

The world is set to learn what Queenslanders have known for more than a century – no one puts on a show like the RNA.

Brisbane Showgrounds will be the home of equestrian events for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, along with Victoria Park which will host cross country.

“We’re the home of Queensland’s largest event – the EKKA - and have been for 150 years, and to be a venue for the world’s largest event is incredible. This would be one of the biggest things to ever happen for the RNA and to the RNA,’’ said a beaming CEO Brendan Christou.

Christou said the team would hit the ground running to start planning necessary upgrades while “absolutely” retaining the site’s heritage.

Maleah Lang-McMahon, 17, has her eye on competing at the RNA for the Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032. Picture: Steve Pohlner
Maleah Lang-McMahon, 17, has her eye on competing at the RNA for the Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“The main arena is where we have these beautiful heritage-listed grandstands but they’re 100 years old, so they’re not really suitable for Olympics or Paralympics, and need to be upgraded, so there will be significant design work and the construction work which will have to happen over the next 11 years. That’s going to be a big job,’’ he said.

“These will leave a legacy for Queenslanders to enjoy at the Ekka from 2033 onwards.’’

Aspiring Olympic showjumper Maleah Lang-McMahon, 17, of Waterford, said it would be a dream come true to compete in front of her hometown crowd.

Lang-McMahon, who has been riding since before she could walk, was just four years old when her dad Peter McMahon, 39, competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, though his medal campaign ended with a broken collarbone. Her mum Michelle Lang-McMahon, 50, rode at World Cup level.

Maleah Lang-McMahon, 17, with her horse PSS Chantilly at the RNA. Picture: Steve Pohlner
Maleah Lang-McMahon, 17, with her horse PSS Chantilly at the RNA. Picture: Steve Pohlner

The teenager and her team of five horses compete nationally, including her favourite show - the Brisbane Ekka, competed internationally aged just 14 and is in contention for November’s Jumping World Challenge 2021 final.

“Dad’s framed Olympic jacket hangs in our stables and another in the house. He’s always only had positive things to say about the experience, that it was the pinnacle of his career – even though it ended badly. That’s what I’ve wanted ever since I started jumping,’’ said the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship recipient.

Twin sisters Emily and Elkee, 13, are also competitive showjumpers.

“It would be incredible to ride in the Olympics, at the Brisbane Showgrounds, in front of a home crowd. Like (my parents) always say: if you can dream it, you can achieve it.’’

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/seq-olympics-2032/rna-to-be-home-of-equestrian-for-brisbane-olympics-2032/news-story/84c9ea8c0bd531e899cefc010413ff80