High Performance Talent Pathway

A major review of Rowing Australia’s strategy for the development of elite athletes was conducted following the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. This review included extensive consultation with various stakeholder groups, a detailed analysis of past performance and a scoping of international best practice. As a result of the review, RA’s long term high performance plan, ‘CampaignNumberOne’ was developed.  This introduced transformational change to the national high performance model to provide Australian rowers with the best opportunities for success including bespoke state-based pathway programs and centralised National Training Centres (NTCs).

The National High Performance Pathway Program approaches the talent pipeline with a broad focus to include:

• Traditional pathway development including talent identification

• A focus on National Team retention and outcomes

• Australian athletes based in US universities

National leadership and coordination is provided by Rowing Australia.  The RA Deputy Performance Director oversees the program working alongside the Pathway Program leadership in each state.

The NSW Pathway Program is led by the NSW Institute of Sport and Rowing NSW and managed in partnership with three high performance clubs who consistently deliver significant national outcomes:

• Sydney Rowing Club

• Sydney University Boat Club

• UTS Haberfield Rowing Club

The NSW Pathway Program has a clear goal of identifying and developing talented athletes and supporting them through the development pathway to achieve podium potential, with the ultimate goal being Olympic or Paralympic gold. Critical to the depth and success of the NSW Pathway Program is the engagement of all rowing stakeholders including clubs and schools. 

High Performance Club Factsheet

Further information on the NSW Pathway Program can be obtained from:

NSW Institute of Sport Rowing Program Coordinator: Michelle Arnold

Rowing NSW Participation Manager: Elliot Shackcloth-Bertinetti

2023 NSW High Performance Pathway Time Trials

The National Pathway Program Time Trials are one of the regular monitoring activities recommended for athletes seeking selection to the national rowing team in 2024.  Time trials are regarded as an effective means of assessing the aerobic preparation of the athletes and by doing them at the same time, a nationwide comparison can be made.  

Participation is mandatory for athletes nominating for Australian National Senior, Para or Under 23 teams.  It is highly recommended for those aiming for Under 21 and Junior team selection.  Information on national team selection can be found here:  

Athletes nominating for the 2024 NSW State Team are strongly recommended to participate.  Information on State Team selection can be found here: 

NB: Entries from schools are limited to their top 4 from each gender.

Those racing must be a registered member of an Australian State Rowing organisation.

Everyone attending the event must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and able to produce proof on request.  Clubs putting in entries to the event are responsible for checking the vaccination status of athletes before making an entry.  

NSWIS and Rowing NSW reserve the right to decline an entry.  

Further event specific information is available below (follow the hyperlink) or contact Owen Nix (Regatta Operations, Rowing NSW).

Entries for all time trials close at 5:00 pm on the Monday prior to the event and must be made through your normal club or school process (entries to be submitted via Rowing Manager).