A river home to about 500 saltwater crocodiles has been selected as a venue for the 2032 Olympic Games.Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, Queensland will host rowing and canoeing events across both the Olympics and Paralaympics.Fitzroy River will host rowing and canoeing at the 2032 Olympics despite being infested with crocodilesGettyThe decision follows an independent technical assessment into the site’s suitability to stage events.It now joins the list of venues for the Games, which will be hosted by Brisbane and staged across Queensland.Brisbane was named as host in 2021, becoming the first Australian Olympic host city since Sydney 2000.Olympic events in crocodile-infested riverAhead of the Games in six years’ time, Fitzroy River has been chosen to host the rowing and canoeing events.The decision comes despite areas of the river being home to saltwater crocodiles.However, it has been revealed that the assessment into the river did not consider the animals.Instead, officials scrutinised how the course would perform under certain conditions, including weather, water levels and flood risk.Fitzroy River is already used for a range of flatwater sports, with school state championships, regattas and national training camps held at the site.Contingency plans have been put in place in the event crocodiles are spotted during events, though.The course has also been endorsed by both World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide.Around 500 saltwater crocodiles inhabit Fitzroy River in QueenslandGettyWorld Rowing statementIn a statement, World Rowing president Jean-Christophe Rolland said: “Based on the extensive analysis undertaken, we now know that the Fitzroy River is capable of providing fair competition conditions during the period of the Games, consistent with the requirements of Olympic and Paralympic Rowing.”Meanwhile, Brisbane 2032 president Andrew Liveris previously played down concerns over the crocodiles’ presence in the river.Speaking last year, he admitted: “There are sharks in the ocean and we’re still surfing. It’s a can do, not a can’t do. Please change the mindset here.”Following the news Fitzroy River had been approved on Thursday, Liveris said: “The endorsement provides additional certainty as we move into the next phase of venue planning and Games delivery, ensuring all future design and operational work continues to focus solely on Rockhampton.”The move comes after controversy surrounding the open water swimming section of the triathlon at the 2024 Paris Olympics.Concerns were raised by athletes prior to the Games over the water quality and E. coli levels of the Seine.Fitzroy River has been approved for the Brisbane Olympics after an assessment of its suitabilityGettyThe river subsequently failed a safety test into pollution levels ahead of the men’s triathlon.As a result, the event was postponed by 24 hours amid fears for the safety of the athletes.