A river with crocodiles was chosen for the Australian Olympics (3 photos) (photo)

Australian authorities have given the green light to canoe and kayaking competitions on the Fitzroy River, home to crocodiles. Sports organizations have criticized the decision, but Australians insist everything is under control.





Australia's crocodile-infested river approved for Olympics. Australian authorities have given the green light to host canoeing competitions for the 2032 Olympics on the Fitzroy River, known for its crocodile population.



Paralympic races are also planned there.

The Australian Rowing Association doubts Fitzroy meets international standards due to the abundance of streams and crocodiles.

"Yes, there is a rowing club here, and our athletes trained here for the 2020 Olympics," said Sarah Cook, executive director of the Australian Rowing Association. "We're certainly not opposed to competing here, but the crocodiles might deter international athletes."



"However, the main criterion is that there should be no streams along the route, and there are many here," she noted. "The problem for us at the moment is that World Rowing and the International Olympic Committee have not yet been consulted. We would like World Rowing and the IOC to be involved in the venue approval process."

However, the Rowing Legacy Advisory Committee (CQ32) confirmed that the river had passed the initial inspection by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA).