2032 Olympics logo leaked online…by the organisers

Let’s set the scene: Australia is hosting the Olympics and Paralympics in 2032, and the long awaited emblem reveal is almost here. The emblem isn't just something that’s pretty to look at, it’s a key part of the visual identity of the event, and sets the tone on which it is delivered. You’ve spent the best part of a week teasing the new logo, with Australian sporting celebs dotted all over the state giving us clues to what it’ll look like.

Then, with just 3 days until the grand reveal…the social media intern accidentally slaps the new logo on a YouTube thumbnail for all to see, only being taken down 15 minutes after realising the error, by which point it’s all over social media. Whoops.

According to the description of the now deleted video: “The Brisbane 2032 Emblems are inspired by the spirited cockatoo – a symbol of Australia’s unique wildlife and playful heart! The cockatoo’s crest is a living torch, reminiscent of the iconic Olympic and Paralympic flame. Shaped like Queensland, with its eye on Brisbane, the Emblem is a universal symbol to unite Brisbane, Australia and the world in 2032.”

In my opinion, the new logos are pretty nice, if a little bland. I’m not Australian so much of the hidden messages (apparently there’s a lot them) are mostly lost on my fickle British brain. I like the colour scheme and the fact that both emblems, while having slightly colour arrangements, ultimately share the same basic shape. The font looks quite nice too, although I’m not sure why it needs to say “Olympic Games” underneath, like nobody’s ever seen the rings before.

The full identity will gradually develop over the next 6 years and it’s always a highlight to see what direction it ends up taking. It’s certainly better than whatever that logo is for Los Angeles (although I like the supporting aesthetic). I’m definitely looking forward to seeing the US getting their bum slapped by Australia again like they did in 2000.