Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
First a cockatoo-themed 2032 Olympic emblem flew the coop early.
Now the Brisbane Games mascot choice is set to ruffle feathers after officials indicated their preference, ruling out the “bin chicken”.
However organisers appeared more concerned about the Games’ next big reveal as they sweat on the 2032 sport program being finalised by Olympic bosses.
Olympic 2032 boss Andrew Liveris on Monday officially revealed the Brisbane Games emblem, three days after it was accidentally leaked.
To no one’s surprise, a stylised cockatoo’s crest was unveiled at a packed Brisbane function, assembling individual emblem pieces that had been showcased in star-studded reveals across the state over six days.
The 2032 Olympics’ first false start occurred on Friday night when the striking emblem featured on the Games’ official YouTube channel – 72 hours ahead of schedule.
“The cockatoos are out there. They came a little early. They flew the nest,” Mr Liveris said.
Brisbane Olympic officials quickly gave it a positive spin, insisting at the weekend they were excited the emblems were finally released.
Their mood only improved when social media “lit up” with an overwhelmingly positive response to the design.
It had received 38 million views along with more than 5000 direct mentions across social media platforms since the weekend, Mr Liveris said.
“Once it happened we clicked into gear … our team pivoted and went to the positive immediately … making lemonade out of lemons,” he said of the leak.
The emblem is the crest of a pink cockatoo, an inland Australian bird which “embodies the cheeky nature of the Queensland spirit”, with the colour stylised to resemble an Olympic flame.
The crest is shaped to resemble Queensland with the eye representing Brisbane.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner revealed at the launch that one of the early emblem entries included a stylised Brisbane River he shut down, saying it looked like a Mr Squiggle drawing.
“We are gobsmacked and delighted by the reaction. Our emblems are truly loved,” Mr Liveris said of the winning design.
“Whatever happened Friday night is in our past and … probably forgotten when you look at the things in front of us.”
They include the Brisbane mascot which is set to be activated after the 2028 LA Games, sparking lively debate among a panel at the emblem’s reveal function on Monday.
Olympic Minister Tim Mander appeared to provide some early mail, ruling out a polarising Brisbane sight – the ibis.
“I can guarantee you, I’m sorry, it won’t be the bin chicken,” he said, prompting some boos.
Mr Schrinner interjected, asking: “Why limit ourselves to just one (mascot)?”
Asked if that was a reveal, Mr Schrinner said coyly: “I dunno.”
Fellow panellist, federal Sport Minister Anika Wells, said her school visits around the nation had overwhelmingly nominated another contender – Brisbane-based TV cartoon character Bluey.
“I’m not ruling out anything, although Minister Mander did rule out the bin chook. I am in his camp by the way,” Mr Liveris later added.
The 2032 Olympic boss’ most pressing concern was getting the Brisbane Games sport program finalised.
The International Olympic Committee postponed announcing what sports would be contested for 12 months following years of uncertainty over the Brisbane Games infrastructure plan.
Mr Liveris was hopeful he would know by year’s end.
“I think we are all very anxious to get that finalised and for good reason – it is six years out and there’s some venues that have to be built,” he said.
“This is the next big reveal for us and we have to get it right.”
The 2032 emblem will be celebrated with large-scale versions lit up as part of a community celebration at Brisbane’s South Bank on Monday night featuring Olympians and Paralympians.
