Brisbane 2032: Olympics will inspire next generation of Darling Downs athletes, says former swimmer Darren Lange

The return of the Olympics to Australia for the first time in 32 years will be an inspiration for our next generation of athletes, according to a Toowoomba former Olympian.

As a former Olympian, Toowoomba’s Darren Lange knows first hand the excitement and anticipation that surrounds one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

Now that it’s locked in that Brisbane will host the games of the XXXV Olympiad 2032, Darren Lange said the event would inspire the next generation of young athletes.

“This is absolutely fantastic, what a great event coming to our region,” he said.

“Not just Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast but also for us here in Toowoomba, we’re going to see a lot of benefit come from these games.

“Right now there are thousands of Australian athletes and young kids waking up with goosebumps because we’re going to have an Olympic games in our home country again. This is the greatest thing that can happen to an athlete. Going to an Olympics is so fantastic but to have it in your home country is amazing.”

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio, former Olympian Darren Lange and Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise CEO Ali Davenport with swimmers Bronte Wade, 12, and Emmi Lange, 13, celebrating the announcement of Brisbane as the host city for the 2032 Olympic Games.

Mr Lange described the announcement as a “coming of age” for Queensland, and a proud moment for everyone across the state.

“We’re a very fast growing state and it’s about time we put ourselves on this stage, which is one of the greatest sporting events the world ever sees every four years,” he said.

“It will take kids who are focused on their sport but maybe think the Olympic dream is too far away for them but to see it happen in our own backyard that’s going to be motivation for them to say ‘you know what, I’m going to give it a go’.

“That motivation to compete in your home Olympic Games is huge. Competing in front of your home country, it really lifts all the athletes that are involved. Sydney was our greatest medal haul in all previous Olympics because of that advantage.”

As a former swimmer, now a swimming coach, Mr Lange said the home Olympics would provide a boost to the sport.

“Swimming has had a long and illustrious history and we’re a very tough sport in its training regime and only have a few chances to shine,” he said.

“To have an event like this in our backyard will really put the focus on a sport like swimming which enjoys a really good public following.”