Brisbane 2032: Swimmer Ariarne Titmus throws support behind plans for new National Aquatics Centre

Ariarne Titmus has thrown her support behind Brisbane’s newly announced $1.5 billion Olympic swimming complex, after criticising earlier proposals she believed would have “short-changed” the sport.

Ariarne Titmus has thrown her support behind Brisbane’s newly announced $1.5 billion Olympic swimming complex, expressing her relief that earlier proposals, which she believed would have “short-changed” the sport, were ultimately set aside.

The Olympic gold medallist said she was “so proud” to see the longstanding Centenary Pool in Spring Hill become a permanent national aquatics hub ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.

“Legacy is about building a better future, and finally, there’s been some plans made that are really going to do that.,” she said.

“I think we’re in good stead to create an Olympic and Paralympic Games that’s going to stack up against LA and Paris, and we’re truly now going to have the opportunity to showcase what a magnificent city we are.”

Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus at Centenary Aquatic Centre in Brisbane overlooking what will become the new pool precinct for the 2032 Olympics. Picture: Adam Head

Announced by Premier David Crisafulli on Tuesday, the redevelopment will include two 50m competition pools, seating for 25,000 during the Games, and permanent facilities for both elite training and community access.

Titmus revealed she was privately shown the blueprints by Swimming Australia CEO Rob Woodhouse after voicing her concerns more than a year ago.

“I had private conversations with Rob Woodhouse, the CEO, and he actually reached out to me to show me the plans in depth once they had been submitted to GIICA (Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority), because I told him I was interested about it,” she said.

A proposal for the National Aquatics Centre. Picture Archipelago Architects

The 400m freestyle champion was one of the fiercest critics of the earlier venue proposals, slamming suggestions of a drop-in pool or an upgrade of Chandler as inadequate.

“I had been vocal about a year and a half ago about the fact that Chandler wasn’t good enough, a drop-in isn’t good enough for our country’s most historical and successful sport, and I wasn’t afraid to speak up about that,” she said.

That advocacy, she said, didn’t come without criticism.

“I did get backlash after my comments about what I thought needed to happen an Olympic and Paralympic Games … I wasn’t afraid to say it,” she said.

Brisbane Bold 2032 design by Archipelago Architects showing the National Aquatics Centre. Picture Archipelago Architects

We need proper legacy infrastructure, not something temporary.”

“So I’m really proud that I voiced my opinion, and I’m glad that I feel like we’re now really putting our best foot forward as a state.”

And while she’s unsure whether she’ll be competing come 2032, Titmus confirmed she will be there in some capacity.

“I’ll be 32 — which is ancient in swimming years ,” she said jokingly.

“But whether I’m swimming or not, I know that I will be at the Brisbane Olympic Games in some capacity, whether I’m commentating, reporting or a part of the national team, or competing, I will be there. Absolutely.”

The new centre is expected to not only host Olympic and Paralympic events, but also future world championships and international meets, a prospect Titmus said would inspire future generations.

“It’s going to be light and bright, it’s going to be Queensland, it’s going to be modern, and it’s going to be here for years and years and years into the future,” she said.

Originally published as Brisbane 2032: Swimmer Ariarne Titmus throws support behind plans for new National Aquatics Centre