Sam Conrad

University of Queensland Boat Club (QLD)

Sam Conrad the grandson of Maurice Grace who raced the coxless pair at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and he is the son of Tim Conrad who raced the Eight at the Montreal 1976 Olympics. Tim Conrad also coached the Men’s Four at the Beijing Olympics that won a Silver Medal. Sam Conrad’s rowing career is a remarkable tale of growth, determination, and consistent excellence across various boat classes. Representing Queensland, Sam’s career took him from early victories in the junior ranks to international recognition, showcasing his versatility in both domestic and international competitions. Over the years, his skill, leadership, and steady improvement solidified his status as one of Australia’s top rowers.

Early Achievements: Queensland and Junior Success (2001-2002)

Sam’s journey in rowing began with notable performances in 2001, where he demonstrated his potential at the Australian National Championships. In the Under-19 category, he earned first place in the Coxed Four, establishing himself as a rising talent. His versatility was evident as he also claimed second place in the Under-19 Coxless Four. At the World Rowing Junior Championships that year, Sam raced in the Coxed Four, finishing seventh, a valuable experience on the world stage.

Sam, second from the left, on the podium of the 2001 Australian Rowing Championships
Photo from the Hebfotos collection

In 2002, Sam continued to impress, competing in the Under-23 category. He claimed third place in the Under-23 Coxless Pair and second in the Under-23 Coxless Four at the Australian National Championships. His success continued with a first-place finish in the Under-23 Men’s Eight, as well as a victory in the Interstate Youth Eight, which further solidified his place as a leader in Australian rowing. Internationally, Sam and his crew finished fourth in the Men’s Eight at the World Rowing Under-23 Championships, and at the World Rowing Cup II, the Men’s Eight crew placed tenth, a solid performance in a competitive field.

Building Momentum: Senior Transition and International Exposure (2003-2004)

In 2003, Sam's rowing career continued to flourish. He claimed first place in the Under-23 Coxless Pair and second place in the Under-23 Men’s Eight at the Australian National Championships. His international experience also expanded, as he and his crew finished third in the Men’s Eight at the World Rowing Under-23 Championships. The following year, Sam raced in the Men’s Coxless Four at the Australian National Championships, finishing third, while also helping the Interstate Eight to another third-place finish. His performance at the World Rowing Championships in the Coxed Four was notable as his crew placed sixth, an important learning experience as Sam continued to progress on the world stage.

The Rise of a Leader: Domestic Dominance and International Recognition (2005-2007)

The mid-2000s marked a high point in Sam’s career as he began to dominate the Australian National Championships. In 2005, Sam claimed first-place finishes in both the Coxless Pair and the Coxless Four, followed by another first-place finish in the World Rowing Championships in the Coxed Pair, showcasing his skill and leadership. His continued excellence was evident in 2006, as Sam and his crew earned first place in the Coxless Four at the Australian National Championships and secured victory at the World Rowing Cup II in the Men’s Eight.

Sam, in the middle, as World Champion in 2005
Photo from the Hebfotos collection - photographer Peter Spurrier

However, his consistency at the top level was evident not just in domestic success, but in his international results. In 2006, Sam and his crew finished fourth in the Men’s Eight at the World Rowing Championships, solidifying his status among the world’s elite rowers. In 2007, Sam continued to lead his crews to strong finishes, securing a first-place finish in the Coxless Four at the Australian National Championships and competing at the World Rowing Championships, where his crew finished eighth in the Men’s Eight.

2008: Olympic Ambitions and Continued Excellence

In 2008, Sam reached the pinnacle of his career by qualifying for the Beijing Olympic Games, where he competed in the Men’s Eight. While the team finished in sixth place, the experience was a significant milestone in his career, marking his participation in one of the sport’s most prestigious events. Sam’s season also included top results in the World Rowing Cup, where his crew earned first and fourth place finishes in the Men’s Eight. Despite the challenges, Sam’s contributions to the team were undeniable as he continued to represent Australia at the highest level.

The Olympic Eight in Beijing with Sam in seven seat
Photo from the Guerin collection

Later Years and Continued Success (2011)

Sam’s rowing career extended well beyond his Olympic appearance, with his success continuing in the following years. In 2011, Sam secured another first-place finish in the Coxless Four at the Australian National Championships, proving that his skills remained sharp and his leadership unwavering. Sam was getting ready to race at the London Olympics but in the months before Sam was bitten by a tick and came down with Limes Disease and was unable to continue.

Legacy and Conclusion

Sam Conrad’s career is a testament to his dedication, versatility, and ability to thrive in various boat classes. From his early victories in the Under-19 and Under-23 categories to his representation of Australia at the Beijing Olympics, Sam’s career spans a wide range of achievements, both on the national and international stage. His success at the World Rowing Championships, World Rowing Cups, and Australian National Championships highlights his capacity to compete at the highest levels, while his leadership in multiple boat classes and dedication to continuous improvement has left an enduring legacy in Australian rowing.

With a career marked by golds, silver, and bronze at the Australian National Championships and his Olympic journey in 2008, Sam’s impact on the sport is clear. He will be remembered for his skill, leadership, and the many contributions he made to the success of Australian rowing over the years.

Some rowing highlights

2001 Australian National Championship Under 19 Coxed Four – First

2001 Australian National Championship Under 19 Coxless Four – Second

2001 World Rowing Junior Championships Coxed Four – Seventh

2002 Australian National Championship Under 23 Coxless Pair – Third

2002 Australian National Championship Under 23 Coxless Four – Second

2002 Australian National Championship Under 23 Eight – First

2002 Australian National Championship Men's Interstate Youth Eight – First

2002 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Eight – Tenth

2002 World Rowing Under 23 Championship Men’s Eight – Fourth

2003 Australian National Championship Under 23 Coxless Pair – First

2003 Australian National Championship Under 23 Eight – Second

2003 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Eight – Ninth

2003 World Rowing Under 23 Championship Men’s Eight – Third

2004 Australia National Championship Men’s Coxless Four – Third

2004 Australian National Championship Men's Interstate Eight – Third

2004 World Rowing Championship Coxed Four – Sixth

2005 Australian National Championship Coxless Pair – First

2005 Australian National Championship Coxless Four – First

2005 Australian National Championship Men's Interstate Eight – Third

2005 World Rowing Championship Coxed Pair – First

2006 Australian National Championship Coxless Four – First

2006 World Rowing Cup I Men’s Coxless Four – Thirteenth

2006 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Eight – First

2006 World Rowing Championship Men’s Eight – Fourth

2007 Australian National Championship Coxless Four – First

2007 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Eight – Tenth

2007 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Eight – Sixth

2007 World Rowing Championship Men’s Eight – Eighth

2008 Australian National Championship Coxless Four – Second

2008 World Rowing Cup I Men’s Eight – First

2008 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Eight – Fourth

2008 Beijing Olympic Games Men’s Eight – Sixth

2011 Australian National Championship Coxless Four – First

Jack Hargreaves
May 2025