5 rowers to make Olympic debut in Tokyo in WA rowing resurgance

Annabelle McIntyre, Bronwyn Cox, Giorgia Patten, Jack Cleary and Josh Hicks will make their Olympic debuts in Tokyo after being selected to the Australian Olympic Team.

The last time WAIS had more than four rowing representatives in the Olympic Team was 2008, with five graduates part of the 38-strong rowing team, including 29 debutants.

Not since the London Games in 2012, has a rower doubled up in two events at the one Games, that will change in Tokyo with Annabelle McIntyre and pair partner Jessica Morrison (Victoria), also competing in four, with both boats genuine gold medal contenders. At the last World Championships McIntyre and Morrison claimed silver in the pair in 2019.

In the women’s eight Bronwyn Cox who claimed silver at the 2019 World Championships is joined by Giorgia Patten who only graduated to the National Team at the end of 2019.

Jack Cleary who rowed his way in to a seat in the men’s quadruple scull, with the team impressing at the National Championships.

Dual world champion Joshua Hicks will compete in the coxless pair in his Olympic debut. Hicks’ two world titles in 2017 and 2018 came in the four, though the 30-year-old has since change his focus to the pair. The 2019 World Championship bronze medallist will combine with Sam Hardy to add an Olympic medal to his collection.

Chef de Mission of the Australian Olympic Team Ian Chesterman welcomed the rowers to the Australian Olympic Team.

“Congratulations to all 38 rowers on your selection to the Australian Olympic Team,” Chesterman said. “Australia has such a rich Olympic legacy in rowing and these athletes should be very proud that they will continue to build on this outstanding tradition.

“We will have one of the biggest rowing teams of any country, with 38 athletes from nine qualified boats showing the depth and class of Australian rowing.”