Brisbane 2032 could lead the way for mid-size regions around the world to host Olympic and Paralympic Games, rather than the mega-cities of the past, according to a new book by a sports journalism academic.
“But that’s if Brisbane gets it right,” says author and University of the Sunshine Coast senior lecturer Dr Peter English.
“If it doesn’t, Brisbane as a smaller host runs the risk of suffering like Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro did, losing money, setting back the Olympic movement and causing negative sentiment among residents.
“Either way, the Brisbane Games will be the dawn of a new era.
“Atlanta in 1996 was the last city similar to Brisbane in terms of size, geography and global recognition, so it is a risk for the International Olympic Committee and the region, especially after the problems with stadium delays and changes of state government.
“Having the event spread across the region for sustainability purposes is also different, although it has switched from the original plan with new stadiums for athletics and swimming proposed in Brisbane.”
Dr English’s book Olympic Outliers analyses the risks and potential benefits of the 2032 Games, in the context of history and future. He is also a member of the Sunshine Coast Legacy Plan Community Reference Group.
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