Brisbane’s bid to host the 2032 Olympic Games not a ‘done deal’, IOC says

Brisbane’s bid to host the 2032 Olympic Games is not a “done deal”, an International Olympic Committee (IOC) spokesman has said, as the Queensland capital gears up to celebrate a decision in its favour tonight.

The city is currently the IOC’s preferred candidate to host the Games.

However, IOC spokesperson Mark Adams insisted the final decision would be made by the 100 or so members meeting at a session in Tokyo.

“Brisbane has worked for this and has worked very hard for this. They’re the preferred candidate and they’ve been through a very, very long process and answered the questionnaires and answered an awful lot of questions so they have they have worked very, very hard,” Mr Adams said.

“They can decide to put them, if you like, back into the pot.

What will be decided, I will keep the suspense going for you and you’ll have to sit and watch tomorrow.

“But it’s not a done deal.”

IOC president Thomas Bach said after an executive board meeting in June that the city, as the only proposed candidate, could be awarded hosting rights in a vote this evening.

Brisbane’s victory already appeared certain after the IOC put it on the fast track in February by being named the preferred candidate without a formal opponent.

However, Mr Bach also said the outcome was “in the hands” of the members, and they typically rubber-stamped all recommendations coming from the leadership.

Brisbane delegation not taking success ‘for granted’

Brisbane was widely expected to be the first Olympic host selected unopposed under a new system to streamline bid campaigns in order make them less costly, give the IOC more control and decrease the risk of vote-buying.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, who is also in Tokyo, tweeted that while the city was currently the IOC’s preferred host, “several cities put their hand up, including in Hungary, China, India, Qatar, Indonesia, Spain and Germany”.

“While we’re quietly confident we’ve put our best foot forward, a ‘yes’ vote is not something we’re taking for granted,” he said.

Members of the IOC will tonight listen to a 45-minute pitch from Australian officials, including Prime Minister Scott Morrison via video link, and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who is in Tokyo.

After the pitch, delegates will vote before their decision is expected to be delivered at 6:30pm AEST.

If Brisbane is crowned the successful host, the river city’s skyline will come alive with a fireworks display.

Tourism and Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the green-and-gold colours would be splashed across the city.

AP/ABC