Pakistan, Sept. 18 -- A river home to crocodiles was approved Thursday as the 2032 Brisbane Olympics rowing and canoeing venue by the sport's governing bodies after a "thorough and robust assessment".

The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, around 600 kilometres (372 miles) north of Queensland state capital Brisbane, which will be the Olympics hub, is a controversial choice. While a saltwater crocodile habitat, the main concerns were around technical specifications and the venue's fairness. The river is prone to flooding and has strong currents that can create uneven competition conditions, while a lack of accommodation options for rowers and spectators was also an issue. Thousands of people signed a petition to have the events moved to a purp...