Brodie Buckland
Sydney University Boat Club (NSW)
Brodie Buckland's rowing career has been an inspiring journey, marked by transitions, challenges, and notable international and domestic success. Born in the USA, Buckland's early years in the sport were spent representing the United States, where he gained significant experience on the world stage. After gaining an Australian passport in 2009, he began racing for Australia in 2010, continuing his development and success. Throughout his career, he showcased his versatility in various boat classes, from the Coxless Four to the Men’s Eight, and left a lasting impact on both the international and domestic rowing scenes.
Early Years in the USA (2005-2007)
Buckland’s rowing career began in the United States, where he quickly rose through the ranks of the national team. His first major international competition came in 2005 at the Under-23 World Rowing Championships, where Buckland raced in the Coxless Four and finished a strong fourth place. This result demonstrated his potential on the world stage, setting the stage for further success in the coming years.
In 2006, Buckland continued his progress at the World Rowing Championships in the Coxed Four, where he again finished fourth. Despite coming just shy of the podium, this result further solidified his reputation as a competitive and skilled rower capable of contending with the best in the world.
In 2007, Buckland represented the USA in the Men’s Eight at the World Rowing Championships, finishing fourth once again. Despite his strong performance, the result was another reminder of the narrow margins at the elite level of the sport, where every position counts. However, Buckland’s consistency in placing just outside the medals showed his resilience and determination, traits that would serve him well as his career progressed.
Transition to Australia and Immediate Impact (2010-2011)
In 2009, Brodie Buckland made a significant life decision: he obtained an Australian passport, setting the stage for his transition to represent Australia in international rowing. His debut year with Australia in 2010 was one of both adjustment and achievement. Buckland quickly proved his worth, earning a third-place finish in the Coxless Four at the Australian National Championships, followed by a first-place finish in the Coxed Four.
2010 National Champion Coxed Four with Brodie on the right hand side
Photo Andrew Guerin
Buckland’s international debut for Australia came at the World Rowing Cup II in 2010, where he and the Coxless Four finished eleventh, a result that showed the high level of competition he was facing. However, he rebounded in the World Rowing Cup III in 2010, helping the Men’s Eight to a second-place finish and making a solid mark as part of the Australian team.
2011 was another standout year for Buckland, both domestically and internationally. At the Australian National Championships, he earned a third-place finish in the Coxless Pair and a first-place finish in the Coxed Four. But his most significant achievement came in the Interstate Regatta, where Buckland helped NSW secure first place in the King's Cup for the Interstate Men’s Eight. This victory cemented his position as one of the top rowers in the country, and it also highlighted his leadership qualities as part of the team that took home one of Australian rowing's most prestigious trophies.
2011 Victorious King's Cup crew - Brodie front row second from left
Photo Georgie Lee
Building on Success (2012)
Buckland's career reached new heights in 2012, as he solidified his place on the Australian team in both domestic and international competitions. At the Australian National Championships, he once again finished third in the Coxless Pair, showcasing his consistency in the event. Internationally, he raced in the World Rowing Cup II, where his Coxless Pair finished eighth, followed by a second-place finish in the World Rowing Cup III later that year, demonstrating his continued growth and development. This led to him stroking the Olympic pair in London which finished fifth.
Brodie stroking the 2012 Olympic Pair
Photo Andrew Guerin
Some rowing highlights
2005 Under 23 World Rowing Championships Coxless Four (USA) – Fourth
2006 World Rowing Championships Coxed Four (USA) – Fourth
2007 World Rowing Championship Men’s Eight (USA) – Fourth
2010 Australia National Championship Coxless Four – Third
2010 Australia National Championship Coxed Four – First
2010 World Rowing Cup II Coxless Four – Eleventh
2010 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Eight – Second
2011 Australian National Championship Coxless Pair – Third
2011 Australia National Championship Coxed Four – First
2011 Australia National Championship Interstate Eight King’s Cup – First
2011 World Rowing Cup II Coxless Pair – Thirteenth
2012 Australian National Championship Coxless Pair – Third
2012 World Rowing Cup II Coxless Pair – Eighth
2012 World Rowing Cup III Coxless Pair – Second
2012 London Olympic Games Coxless Pair – Fifth
Jack Hargreaves
April 2025