NSW shares Olympic strengths with Japan

Australian Olympic Ambassador and world swimming champion Ian Thorpe has joined NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian in Japan as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to share Olympic expertise ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Ms Berejiklian and Mr Thorpe toured Tokyo Tatsumi International Swimming Center overnight and also visited the Olympic aquatic centre, which NSW-based Cox Architecture is helping to design.

The Premier said NSW will progress its 33-year Sister State relationship with the Japanese Government by sharing our Olympic experience.

“While Japan are world leaders in planning and logistics, we think NSW is number one when it comes to hosting an Olympics,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Our high rates of volunteerism also helped make the 2000 Olympic Games the success that it was and this is something we will be sharing with our Japanese partners in the lead up to 2020.”

Australian Olympic Ambassador, Ian Thorpe said he was proud to see NSW and Australian companies sharing their expertise in the design of the aquatic facilities. Mr Thorpe’s appointment as Australian Olympic Ambassador was overseen by the Australian Olympic Committee.

“Design of the pool for both competitors and spectators is hugely important,” he said.

“Along with the performances of the competitors, the proper design creates the atmosphere for spectators, both of which come together the make the event truly memorable.

“Hopefully these new facilities will see a number of world records broken come 2020 – and hopefully a few of this will be by the Australian team.”

Cox Architecture Director, Russell Lee said it is great to be bringing NSW expertise to Tokyo 2020.

“We are delighted to be part of Obayashi team in delivering this key facility for the Tokyo Olympics. It has given Cox the opportunity to share the expertise gained in hosting the successful Sydney 2000 games,” Mr Lee said.

Ms Berejiklian also met with Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike to discuss the NSW-Tokyo trade relationship.