Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Laine Clark and Murray Wenzel

Olympic champ questions handling of Brisbane Games

Ariarne Titmus has urged Brisbane Olympics organisers to consider the Games' legacy. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Swimming champion Ariarne Titmus has questioned the Queensland government's handling of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, taking aim at its controversial infrastructure plan.

The Australian swimming star has urged Brisbane organisers to consider the Games' legacy, saying the current venue blueprint is not the best way forward.

"We got these Olympics for a reason because we can deliver," Queensland-based Olympic champion Ms Titmus told AAP.

"We need to live up to those expectations and showcase what our city has to offer.

"We need to put our best foot forward and because of these decisions we're not doing that."

The world champion has her sights set on this year's Paris Games where she will defend her 200m and 400m freestyle titles.

However the 23-year-old world record holder has had one eye on the 2032 global event after the Queensland government copped flack over their Olympic game plan.

Premier Steven Miles has come under fire for ignoring an infrastructure review's key findings, ruling out building a $3.4 billion stadium at Victoria Park in inner-Brisbane as the 2032 centrepiece.

Another swimming champion Cate Campbell has also led criticism over his decision to disregard the review and instead upgrade the 49-year-old Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre as the 2032 track and field venue.

Ms Titmus said Brisbane had the potential to leave a legacy similar to the last home Games - Sydney 2000 - but was unsure judging by the state government's plans.

"Legacy is a word thrown around a lot, bit of a buzz word with the Olympics and I feel it's being thrown around without actually thinking what legacy will be left behind," she said in Brisbane on Wednesday.

"I still compete at the pool that was the Sydney Olympic aquatic centre in 2000, had my first national age title there when 13-years-old.

"Young kids of this country, having a home Games, I really hope that's being put at the forefront of the mind when decisions are being made."

However Mr Miles has backed his infrastructure plan, insisting it was for "all those kids who aspire to be Olympians".

As part of the plan, Suncorp Stadium, QSAC and another ageing stadium the Gabba will be upgraded.

The $2.5 billion Brisbane Arena - set to host swimming - will be the only new stadium built thanks to commonwealth funding.

"I made a call last week that when Queenslanders are a struggling (with cost of living) we didn't need two new multi-billion dollar venues, that one would be enough to put on a fantastic show," Mr Miles told Nine's Today Show on Wednesday.

"I want to see a great investment in Suncorp because ... it can do a great opening ceremony and the new athletic stadium ... will be a permanent athletic stadium.

"And ... that will be great for all those kids who aspire to be Olympians."

The Queensland government last week was forced to deny a report it considered cancelling the Games amid concerns about venue costs and dwindling public support.

The International Olympic Committee's coordination commission for Brisbane 2032 will hold its second meeting on Wednesday night before discussing its progress and preparations with international media.

Ms Titmus was hopeful 2032 organisers would soon be delivering good news.

"As Australians we don't do things half-arsed. We're all or nothing," she said.

"I really hope we deliver the Games that I know our country is capable of doing.

"It would be a shame if it wasn't the best it could possibly be." 

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.