Jack Hargreaves has become one of Australia’s premier rowers, with a journey that began in the small town of Nyngan. His path to success led him through St Joseph’s College, where he first dipped his oar into competitive rowing. Now, he is set to represent his country once again in Paris 2024 at the picturesque Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium.
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Rugby roots to rowing triumph
A talented rugby player, Hargreaves only took up rowing to maintain fitness during the summer months. However, his decision to focus on rowing after high school has proven to be a game-changer.
Joining Sydney University Boat Club, Hargreaves quickly made his mark in the sport. Hargreaves’ international career began in 2013 with his debut in the men’s eight at the World Rowing Cup I and U23 Championships.
Despite missing selection for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Hargreaves redeemed himself spectacularly. He claimed consecutive gold medals in the coxless four at the 2017 and 2018 World Rowing Championships, earning the FISA Male Crew of the Year award in 2018 alongside his teammates.
The pinnacle of Hargreaves’ career came at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Alongside Alexander Purnell, Spencer Turrin, and Alexander Hill, he clinched gold in the men’s coxless four. This victory was particularly sweet as it ended Great Britain’s five-Games winning streak in the event.
For his achievements in the sport, Hargreaves was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2022.
Jack Hargreaves in Paris 2024
Now, Hargreaves faces a new challenge. He has been named in the men’s coxless eight for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he will join his Tokyo 2022 teammates Spencer Turrin and Alexander Purnell alongside Kendall Brodie, Ben Canham, Angus Dawson, Josh Hicks, Jack O’Brien, and Angus Widdicombe—in a bid to secure Australia’s first gold medal in the event.
“The Eights are the nation’s boats. We’re a proud nation. We’re a proud nation of Eights as well,” Rowing Australia’s Paul Thompson said.
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The team’s journey begins with the heats on July 29, five days after his 31st birthday. This is followed by potential repechages on August 1 and the medal event on August 3.
Published 19-July-2024