What inspired you to start working on Olympic projects, and how did you get involved in your first Olympic event?
"I was lucky enough to start my career six years prior to the Olympics in my home city of Sydney. I sent my CV to a random transport consultancy (later acquired by WSP) and during my interview, I was excited to learn that they were undertaking bus planning for Sydney 2000."
Graeme participating in Sydney 2000 and the Salt Lake City Winter Games in 2002
What are some of the most memorable projects you've worked on during your time working with the Olympics?
"Having worked on six Olympics Games, there have been so many amazing projects. Planning transport for multiple Olympic venues in Sydney, and London. Other highlights have included planning transport for Olympic Parks in Sydney, Athens, Beijing and London and playing my small part in helping Brisbane secure the Olympics in 2032."
Graeme at Athens 2004 with Roy & HG, and the London 2012 Olympic Games.
What achievements are you most proud of in your work with the Olympics?
"I am happy to provide my WSP colleagues the same privileged experience I had—contributing to the Olympics in their own hometown. I have extended this opportunity to my WSP colleagues in Beijing, London and hopefully soon in Los Angeles, Brisbane and Salt Lake City.
Have you seen a change in attitude towards Net Zero and sustainability since you started working on the Olympics?
"I worked on the first Green Games at Sydney 2000 during which all transport to Olympic venues was by public transport or walking. The commitment to environmental stewardship has intensified, with subsequent events increasingly integrating sustainable practices. For instance, the Paris games are set to be a landmark event in terms of sustainability, aiming to halve the carbon footprint compared to previous Games."
Social value is a hot topic at the moment. Can you provide an example of a project where WSP significantly contributed to the social value and well-being of the host community through the Olympics?
"WSP has been a trusted advisor to the Sydney Olympic Park Authority for 32 years and counting. We have been involved in all five of the Olympic precinct Master Plans including the latest which will see the precinct grow into a thriving mixed-use sports and entertainment suburb which will be home to around 28,000 people by 2050. This increase in homes will make a significant contribution to the housing supply crisis and is of huge social value to the citizens of Sydney."
Looking ahead, what are WSP’s main goals for future Olympic projects in terms of sustainability and social impact, and what excites you most about these upcoming opportunities?
"Paris has raised the bar for sustainability and the Olympics. This is encouraging as it pushes professionals to challenge the status quo and think of new approaches to providing sustainable transport whilst also leveraging new technology and data insights. WSP is already thinking ahead to Los Angeles 2028, Brisbane 2032 and Salt Lake Utah 2034 Winter Olympics and how we can reimagine the future by using the Olympics as a catalyst to bring bold ideas to life sooner. I am also excited by the construction of the metro rail station and light rail system at Sydney Olympic Park which is planned to open in the early 2030s and will boost sustainable transport options."
Who can people contact if they’d like to get involved in Olympics projects in the future?
"Anyone can reach out to me as I oversee WSP’s Olympic involvement globally. Our Event Advisory leaders at WSP are Reed Alvarado (WSP US) and Luke Southam (WSP Australia)."
Find out more about Brisbane 2032.
