Equestrian star set to take over Brisbane 2032 reins
Laine Clark |
A former actress and equestrian star is set to take centre stage for the Brisbane 2032 Games after landing a major International Olympic Committee role.
Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski will oversee the Brisbane Games’ delivery after being unveiled as the new 2032 Olympics co-ordination commission chair.
She will replace Kirsty Coventry, who was recently elected as the next IOC president.
Organisers have welcomed Ms Jaworski, who is set to chair the next co-ordination commission meeting in Brisbane from May 20 to be attended by Ms Coventry and outgoing IOC president Thomas Bach.
“I congratulate Mikaela on her elevation … and welcome the opportunity to continue to work closely with her and all our co-ordination commission members as our attention shifts from strategy to planning and eventually delivery of our Games in 2032,” Brisbane Olympic boss Andrew Liveris said.
Ms Jaworski appeared in a number of high profile movies and TV shows in the Philippines but also grabbed the spotlight as an equestrian athlete with close ties to Australia.
She trained and competed in Australia during her stellar equestrian career, enjoying a 20-year stint under three-time Olympian Vicki Roycroft.
The Australian’s guidance helped steer Ms Jaworski to claiming showjumping gold for the Philippines at the 2002 Asian Games and the 2005 Southeast Asian Games.
“Mikaela has a deep understanding and history of time in Australia … and has been a positive and supportive voice as part of Brisbane 2032’s co-ordination commission since its formation,” Mr Liveris said.
“I look forward to welcoming Mikaela and our co-ordination commission to Brisbane this month for our first in-country meeting and the chance to provide detailed updates on our progress.”
Ms Jaworski, an IOC executive board member since 2020, will take over the Brisbane Games’ planning and delivery at a pivotal time.
The clock is ticking for the 2032 Games after the Queensland government finally confirmed its venue plan in March, more than 1300 days after Brisbane was named host city.
The state government this month introduced a bill to ensure 2032 Olympic sites would be exempt from planning laws as officials race to get the Games venues built in time.
An IOC member since 2013, Ms Jaworski takes over the Brisbane reins after serving on the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 coordination bodies and the 2024 and 2028 Games evaluation commissions.
AAP
