Brisbane could be gearing up to host the 2032 Olympics, possibly joining Melbourne and Sydney as the third Australian city to host the major sporting event.

On Wednesday the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that Brisbane was at the top of their list to host the event.

IOC President Thomas Bach said the committee would be talking closely with Brisbane’s bid organisers.

“The IOC future host commission recommended that the executive committee initiate a targeted dialogue with Brisbane and the Australian Olympic Committee for the organisation of the 2032 Olympic Games,” said Mr Bach.

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has also come forward to express their excitement for the prospect of Australia hosting yet another Olympic Games and the opportunity to inspire future generations of Australian sportspeople.

“For the young boys and girls now enjoying their sport and dreaming of representing their country, this is an announcement that makes the possibility of a home Games more accessible and real. A home Games would be a driver for increased sport participation too,” said ASC Chair Josephine Sukkar.

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Ms Sukkar also noted the impact the Games have beyond the many tracks, fields, courts and pools.

“A home Games can also show the wonderful power of sport to influence lives and communities far beyond the competitive arena. I was lucky enough to be at the 2000 Sydney Olympics for Cathy Freeman’s gold medal race and for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. But my personal highlight are the memories of my late father, a volunteer doctor at the 2000 Games, who was able to enjoy that experience of a lifetime with thousands of other volunteers. I still have my father’s volunteer uniform from the Sydney Olympics and treasure it,” she said.

Australian Institute of Sport CEO Peter Conde believes Australia is well placed to host a successful Games due to a more united sporting system and a sharpened focus on athlete development.

“There is no doubt that the build-up to Sydney 2000 united Australian sport and the AIS, along with our state and territory partners, have taken positive steps over the past few years to further enhance our collaboration,” he said.

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Mr Conde also commended the Australian Government for “believing in the AIS vision” and helping financially boost development pathways and athlete wellbeing.

Australia hosts a multitude of international sporting events, namely the Australian Open and Formula 1 which was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but will be returning to Melbourne in November this year.

The country will also be hosting the FIBA Women’s World Cup of Basketball, then in 2023, the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

COVID-19 has impacted sport participation and volunteering, but Sport Australia CEO Rob Dalton said the next decade was shaping up as one of the most inspiring periods for Australian sport.

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Mr Dalton is confident that the upcoming sporting events will bring back Australia’s sporting spark that has been clouded by the ongoing pandemic.

“Things have been tough, but we’ve said all along that sport will play a prominent role in lifting the nation’s energy and spirits again, and there are few events that can match the inspiration of a home Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said.

“These all present wonderful opportunities for Australian sport to thrive over the next decade and beyond.”