Olympics 2032: Games dream is on for young and old

Past, present and even future Olympians have once again been struck by gold fever, as southeast Queensland’s bid to host the 2032 Games reaches a crucial turning point.

Past, present and even future Olympians have once again been struck by gold fever.

Although the deal isn’t quite done yet, the message from our Olympic greats is clear: winning the right to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032 will change southeast Queensland forever and for the better.

“I’ve been living in Sydney for the past two years and people down there still talk about the 2000 Sydney Olympics so to have that opportunity in Brisbane would do wonders for everyone,” champion swimmer Cate Campbell said.

“In dreamland, if I could be part of a home Olympic Games, that would be the ultimate goal, but even if I wasn’t competing I would love to be involved in some way possible.”

Jodie Henry, who won three gold medals in swimming at the 2004 Athens Olympics, said it was only fair that Queensland got a turn at hosting the Games after Melbourne (1956) and Sydney (2000).

Cate and Bronte Campbell excited about Brisbane's Olympic bid chances improving, Brisbane Aquatic Centre, Chandler. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

“We’ve had a couple of Commonwealth Games here but we’ve never had the big show so it would be really amazing for southeast Queensland,” she said.

Queensland’s Natalie Cook won gold in Sydney in beach volleyball, along with Kerri Pottharst, but said hosting the Games was more than just about athletes and their competitions.

“The Olympics will touch every single industry, from hospitality to shopping to volunteering, even to the medals, which will be made from our minerals in the earth,” she said.

“It will impact the artists, the dancers, the singers, technology...what we’re about to see is a decade of opportunity that will put the global spotlight on Australia, not only our Covid response but the possibility to bring hope to the world.”

Gold Coast kayaker Ken Wallace - who won gold and bronze medals at the 2008 Olympics - is coaching kids at the Queensland academy that could be competing in 2032.

“I look at 2032 as a bit like training at the moment. We haven’t won the gold medal yet but we’re starting to hit goals and targets in training and I guess that is what Southeast Queensland is starting to do with the International Olympic Committee.”

Teenage athletes Gretta Johnson, 14, Sophie Burger, 15, Ned Curran and Will Curran, 14, each train at least five days a week for their dream of being on the track and field world stage.

Twins and Queensland cross country champions Ned and Will, who both put in at least eight training sessions a week, going to the Olympics on home soil would be “the dream.”

“I’m training really hard for that right now,” Ned said.

“I wouldn’t have to travel far,” Will said.

Brisbane athletes Will Curran 14, Sophie Burger 15, Ned Curran 14 and Gretta Johnson 14 are all extremely excited about the prospect of the Olympics coming to their home city in 2032. Pics Adam Head

Sophie meanwhile has goals to compete in the triathlon event and said she’s “stoked” about the chance to compete in a Queensland Games.

“I’ve done triathlon since I was seven,” she said.

“It would be a dream to go to those Olympics to do triathlon.”

“If I got the opportunity, it would be amazing.”

For Gretta, who competes this weekend in the State Club Championship, her goal would be to run the 3,000 metre or 1,500 metre track event on the world stage.

But for the 15-year-old athlete, just having the Olympics down under is cause for celebration.

“We would be able to see them and we wouldn’t have to travel far,” she said.

“I think it would be really exciting.”

Gretta said she liked watching athletes compete in the running and track events, gymnastics and swimming.

Originally published as Olympics 2032: Games dream is on for young and old