In a warm and hopeful step forward, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games has welcomed a familiar and respected face—Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski—as the new chair of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) coordination commission.
Andrew Liveris, the head of the Brisbane 2032 organizing committee, expressed heartfelt congratulations to Jaworski, a former equestrian star with deep personal ties to Australia. “Mikaela’s appointment is more than a transition—it’s a continuation of our shared vision,” Liveris said. “Her insight, her experience, and her bond with Australia make her uniquely suited to guide us as we move from planning to the actual delivery of the Games.”
Jaworski, a Filipina Olympian who trained in Australia for nearly 20 years, isn’t new to Olympic leadership. Since joining the IOC Executive Board in 2020, she has played a key role in shaping the Brisbane Games’ direction. Her competitive career includes an impressive gold and silver medal at the 2002 Asian Games, and her passion for sports and community runs deep.
“She understands this land, its people, and its spirit,” Liveris added. “We’ve felt her support and wisdom since day one.”
Jaworski takes over from Kirsty Coventry, who made history in March by becoming the first woman elected as President of the IOC. Coventry will officially succeed Thomas Bach in June.
Later this month, a symbolic moment awaits as Bach, Coventry, and Jaworski travel to Brisbane for the first in-person inspection of the city since its Olympic win in 2021. It’s not just about logistics—it’s about reimagining how a city welcomes the world.
Despite earlier political back-and-forths and tough debates over infrastructure, Queensland’s government recently finalized its venue plan, which includes a new Olympic stadium and a national aquatics center in central Brisbane. These projects aim to balance modern athletic needs with the sustainability promises made during the bidding process.
As Brisbane prepares for its Olympic moment, the leadership baton has been passed with care and optimism—marking a fresh chapter in a story of global unity, local pride, and shared ambition.
