The 2024 Paris Olympic Games left Australian audiences at a halt when results were not reminiscent of those anticipated. At the immediate conclusion of the games, a full-scale investigation of the Rowing Australia High-Performance programme was announced to determine where the footing had slipped for the national organisation. The in-depth look into the programme concluded a lack of clarity in selection processes and issues within the coaching structure. Bad communication and fear-mongering tactics were uncovered as deep-rooted problems within the ranks, causing athletes to feel uncertainty about where they stood, and this uncertainty sunk its teeth into our national performances. Under the newly employed General Manager of High-Performance Duncan Free, the Australian Rowing programme can only be assumed to be amid a significant shake-up – and with the Olympic cycle imminent and a 1500m racing distance on a four-year horizon, this year’s national selection process is the first opportunity we’ll have to see what the newfound plans in creating “The Australian Way” of high-performance rowing will entail.
A new leader of the Hancock Prospecting National Training Centre, James Harris comes to the Australian High Performance programme with a strong background in results for women’s sweeping. Fresh off a silver medal in the women’s four in Paris for Team GB, electing Harris to take over the reins strongly indicates where the focus for the women’s programme will be, with only two athletes selected to trial for the sculling team. The women’s side has said goodbye to some extremely familiar faces as they venture into their next steps outside the boat, and several new names will be watched closely as the week unfolds.
A talented line-up of sweep athletes makes up this year’s trial list, welcoming back current Olympians Georgina Rowe, Paige Barr, and Jacqueline Swick. The remainder is a healthy balance of familiar and new faces. A notable watch will be that of Emmie Frederico, who, in her first season of senior racing in Australia, secured the gold medal spot in the open women’s pair alongside Rowe. Prior Australian representatives Georgie Gleeson, Eleanor Price, Eliza Gaffney, and Jaime Ford have all had successful national seasons and will no doubt be fighting to don the Australian suit again. Taylor Caudle, Zara Collisson, and Laura Foley are in consideration for the Australia A team, a mix of development athletes who have been earmarked as those who may one day step into the senior squads. This distinction aligns with Rowing Australia’s intention to make the selection process significantly more straightforward for athletes and develop athletes to step into crews in time for the LA and Brisbane Olympic Games. In terms of a boat that will likely be prioritised for competition, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if the move was made to push a top eight through the mix. Several returning athletes from the prior Olympic team are likely to continue through the entire new cycle, and with their experience and close fourth at the Games, it makes sense to continue building this momentum in the age of change. Of course, Harris may also choose a top four and a pair, with the pair being the only boat to bring home a medal for the women’s team in Paris.
On the sculling side of the roster, the two athletes in the running for selection will no doubt be pitched against one another in the single sculls where they’ve spent so much of this season. Current national champion and returning Olympian Laura Gourley should feel confident as she moves into the week – with a strong underage career and an even stronger start to her senior career, she is in a prime position. Of course, underestimating Catherine Khan would be unwise, as the tests of senior trials will likely bring out the best of this talented athlete. It’s a strong possibility that Gourley will be a candidate to race in the single this international season. However, inviting Khan to trial is a strong positive for the team – building her depth as an athlete will only benefit the future of the sculling squad, and the intensity of trials week can bring out the best of athletes as they compete under pressure.
In this first year of the Olympic cycle, it’s clear that the Rowing Australia High-Performance programme is looking to attack several issues head-on. With the newfound results from the investigative report, we will wait with bated breath to see whether the upcoming changes will improve Rowing Australia’s performance.
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