Brisbane 2032: IOC warns Queensland against complacency

The IOC has warned Queensland against prematurely celebrating victory in the race for the 2032 Games only hours before a decision is due over the host city.

THE International Olympic Committee has warned Queensland against prematurely celebrating victory in the race for the 2032 Games – sensationally declaring “it‘s not a done deal”.

One final presentation by Annastacia Palaszczuk and the Australian delegation remains today before Queensland this evening learns whether it will host the nation’s third Olympic Games.

Queensland must secure half of the 87 IOC member votes.

IOC President Thomas Bach (C), IOC Olympic Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi and IOC spokesman Mark Adams (L) attend the press conference after the IOC Executive Board meeting on July 17. (Photo by Toru Hanai/Getty Images)

Green, gold and maroon fireworks are lining the Brisbane River in preparation for good news, however the IOC has insisted the matter is not fait accompli.

IOC spokesman Mark Adams said although Brisbane had done a lot of work, the committee could put the city “back in the pot” to battle with Qatar, Budapest and Korea for the Olympics.

“This isn‘t a done deal because it’s still up to the session to decide,” he said.

“They can decide to put them, if you like, back into the pot and there are a number of other candidate cities still interested parties so that could happen.

“What will be decided, I will keep the suspense going for you … you’ll have to sit and watch.”

Council of Mayors Southeast Queensland first launched the Olympic bid in 2015 under the leadership of former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk.

Tazmin Murray, 15 of Varsity Lakes and Chloe Robinson, 16 of Tamborine are excited about Brisbane possibly getting the 2032 Olympic Games. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Delegations have met IOC President Thomas Bach on several occasions, including during a landmark trip to Switzerland in 2019.

Brisbane is the first city designated a preferred candidate under the IOC’s new Olympic Games selection process.
Several countries remain in the race despite the likelihood of Queensland’s victory.
South Korea, in April, sent a proposal to the IOC to co-host the 2032 Olympic Games with North Korea.
Qatar and Budapest also launched a late bid earlier this year.

Mr Adams said Brisbane had “worked very hard” for the prized frontrunner status.

“They are the preferred candidate and they‘ve been through a very, very long process and answered the questionnaires and answered an awful lot of questions,” he said.