Future stars emerge as national small boat champions crowned at record-breaking Australian Rowing Championships

Australia’s rowing future was on full display today at the 2026 Australian Rowing Championships (ARC26), presented by Events Tasmania, as national champions were crowned across the premier small boat classes at the Lake Barrington International Rowing Course.

In a day defined by high-performance racing and breakthrough performances, the Open Single Sculls and Open Pair events delivered a compelling glimpse into the next generation of Australian rowing talent, reinforcing ARC26 as the nation’s premier proving ground for future Olympic and Paralympic representatives.

Competing in challenging head-breeze conditions at one of the world’s premier rowing venues, athletes from across the country raced for national titles in front of a growing crowd, contributing to what is shaping as the largest Australian Rowing Championships in history, with more than 2,100 competitors converging on Tasmania for the week-long regatta.

In the Open Men’s Single Scull, Marcus Della Marta (SUBC / RBNTC) produced a commanding performance to take out the national title in 8:51.45, finishing 1.97 seconds clear of Jackson Free (KAND / RBTNC), while Cormac Kennedy-Leverett (Sydney) claimed bronze, 8.05 seconds off the lead.

“It feels amazing. I’ve been building towards this for 12 months after a tough nationals last year, so to execute across all four quarters and get the win is really satisfying,” said Della Marta.

“The support from Hancock Prospecting, the ASC and Rowing Australia’s partners really makes this possible. I’m so lucky to be able to be rowing full time with their backing, particularly that of Mrs Rinehart. Getting this win down here at Lake Barrington makes it even more special.”

The Open Women’s Coxless Pair saw Bronwyn Cox OLY and Georgie Rowe OLY (UTS / UWABC / HPNTC) lead from start to finish to claim Gold in 8:45.82. Jacqui Swick OLY and Giorgia Patten OLY (SRRC / WARC / HPNTC) secured silver, 8.81 seconds behind, while Emmie Frederico and Laura Gourley (UTS / Mercantile / HPNTC) rounded out the podium in bronze, 9.66 seconds off the lead.

“It was pretty wild out there – conditions like that really test your rhythm and connection,” said Bronze medalist Emmie Frederico.

“It’s races like this where we realise how lucky we are to be preparing day in, day out at the Hancock Prospecting National Training Centre. Without their support and that of our patron, Mrs Rinehart, we wouldn’t be able to race like this. I’m happy with how we put our training in to action. We refocused, stayed composed and were able to take control through the middle of the race.”

In the Open Men’s Coxless Pair, Angus Dawson OLY and Alex Hill OAM (Adelaide / RBNTC) delivered a powerful and controlled performance to secure gold in 7:48.79. Rohan Lavery and Patrick Holt OLY (MUBC / UTS) took silver, 9.10 seconds behind, with Mackenzie Thompson and Henry Blackwell (UTS) claiming bronze, 11.75 seconds off the lead.

“In those conditions it’s all about adapting and putting together as many clean strokes as you can,” said Dawson.

“I cannot thank Hancock Prospecting, the ASC, Events Tasmania and our other supporters enough. We managed to stay composed across the race and build a margin, which was key. Grateful that we can train and race like this. It’s all thanks to our patron Mrs Rinehart.”

The Open Women’s Single Scull title was claimed by Rowsella Tara Rigney OLY (Mosman / NSWIS), a past recipient of the prestigious Gina Rinehart AO Leadership Award, who crossed the line in 10:21.12. Sarah Fahd (UTS Haberfield / NSWIS) secured Silver just 2.06 seconds behind, with Paige Barr (Mercantile / HPNTC) taking bronze a further 3.72 seconds back in a tightly contested final.

“It feels absolutely great. It’s always an honour to race against such a strong field, especially with margins that tight, and to come away with the win means a lot, ” said Rigney.

“I’ve been working towards this for the past 12 to 18 months, so I’m really proud to get it done in tough conditions.”

The small boat events remain a critical benchmark within the Australian rowing system, serving as the foundation for national team selection and a key indicator of future international success.

Performances across today’s finals will play an important role in shaping the Australian Rowing Team for the 2026 World Rowing Cups and the Under 19 and Under 23 World Championships.

Rowing Australia Chief Executive Officer Sarah Cook OLY said the racing highlighted both the strength of the current high-performance program and the depth of the pathway coming through.

“Today’s racing showcased the very best of Australian rowing – exceptional performances from established athletes alongside breakthrough results from those pushing into national contention,” said Cook.

“These small boat events are a true test of individual capability, resilience, and technical excellence, and they remain a critical part of our pathway to international success.”

“With record participation once again at this year’s Championships, ARC26 continues to demonstrate the strength and growth of rowing across Australia – from school and club athletes through to our high-performance ‘Rowsellas’, which would not be possible without the support of our Principal Partner Hancock Prospecting and our Patron Mrs Gina Rinehart AO, and our Major Partners, the Australian Institute of Sport and the Australian Government.”

The 2026 Australian Rowing Championships have drawn competitors from across every State and Territory, with strong representation from school, club, and high-performance programs, reinforcing the event’s role as the central meeting point of the entire Australian rowing community.

These Championships are thanks to the support of Events Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government, and highlight Tasmania’s growing reputation as a major events destination, with Lake Barrington providing a world-class stage for competition and attracting athletes, families, and supporters from across the country and the world.

Rowing Australia is grateful for the support of Rowing Tasmania, and all of the incredible volunteers and officials who make these Championships possible and such a success.

ARC26 continues through to March 29, culminating in the Interstate Regatta and the iconic King and Queen’s Cup races, as Australia’s best rowers compete for national honours and state supremacy.

Nick Jones, Rowing Australia