Ben Coombs

Banks Rowing Club (VIC) then UTS Haberfield Rowing Club (NSW)

Ben Coombs' rowing career stands as a testament to both his early promise and his ongoing commitment to the sport. Representing Victoria and later competing at an international level, Coombs has achieved multiple national titles and had an impactful career, particularly in the Men’s Eight and Coxed Four. His journey, which took him from Victoria's schoolboy ranks to Columbia University in the United States, showcases a blend of hard work, teamwork, and persistence.

Coombs' rowing career began with a bang at the 2009 National Championships, where he helped his Schoolboy Eight claim victory, laying the foundation for his future success. The following year, in 2010, he continued his ascent, winning the Under 23 Coxed Four at the National Championships and impressively taking the Fawley Challenge Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta—a prestigious international event. These successes solidified his status as a rising star in Australian rowing.

Ben on the back row on the right after winning 2009 Schoolboy Eights at the Australian Rowing Championships
Photo from the Hebfotos collection

In 2011, Coombs made his mark on the world stage by competing at the Under 23 World Rowing Championships, where his Coxed Four crew placed 7th. This experience opened the door for future international opportunities, and Coombs followed it up with a strong showing in 2013 when he again competed in the Under 23 World Championships, this time helping his Coxed Four crew to a 4th place finish.

His final year in the Under 23 ranks came in 2014, where he rowed with the Men’s Eight at the Under 23 World Championships, earning a 2nd place finish—just shy of the top spot but solidifying his place as one of Australia’s top rowing talents.

2014 Australian Under 23 Eight with Ben second from the right
Photo from the Mike Sim collection

During this period, Coombs attended Columbia University in the United States from 2011 to 2014, rowing for their varsity team while continuing to gain international experience. His university career provided him with access to top tier coaching and further honed his skills in a highly competitive environment.

Upon returning to Australia, Coombs immediately made an impact on the National Championships scene. In 2015, he played a crucial role in the Men's Interstate Eight, securing a King’s Cup victory for Victoria. The following year, in 2016, Coombs repeated this success, contributing to another King’s Cup victory in the Interstate Men’s Eight, reinforcing his leadership and ability to perform under pressure in the country's premier event.

Coombs’ international career continued to evolve in 2017, where he represented Australia at the World Rowing Cups. In World Rowing Cup II, his Men's Eight finished 4th, showcasing their competitiveness on the international circuit. Later that season, in World Rowing Cup III, Coombs achieved a 2nd place finish in the Coxed Pair, while his Coxless Pair crew finished 13th. These results highlighted his versatility and adaptability across different boat classes.

2017 World Cup 3 Podium for coxed Pair - Ben on the left hand side
Photo from the Guerin collection

At the 2017 World Rowing Championships, Coombs contributed to the Men’s Eight, which finished 8th, showing that Australia was competitive, though falling short of a podium finish. These experiences in the international circuit allowed him to further refine his skills and prepare for future Olympic aspirations.

After a few years of further development and growth, Coombs’ national success remained strong. In 2021, he once again helped secure a King’s Cup victory for Victoria in the Interstate Men’s Eight at the National Championships, marking yet another milestone in his rowing career and continuing his impressive run of national triumphs.

Legacy

Ben Coombs' career is defined by both individual achievement and team success. From his early years with the Schoolboy Eight to his international Under 23 performances and the consistent leadership he showed in the Men’s Eight, Coombs' career is one of both determination and excellence

Some rowing highlights

2009 National Championship Schoolboy eight – First

2010 National Championship Under 23 Coxed Four – First

2010 Henley Royal Regatta the Fawley Challenge Cup – First

2011 Under 23 World Rowing Championships Coxed Four – Seventh

2013 Under 23 World Rowing Championships Coxed Four – Fourth

2014 Under 23 World Rowing Championships Men’s Eight – Second

2015 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight King’s Cup – First

2016 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight King’s Cup – First

2017 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Eight – Fourth

2017 World Rowing Cup III Coxless Pair – Thirteenth

2017 World Rowing Cup III Coxed Pair – Second

2017 World Rowing Championship Men’s Eight – Eighth

2021 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight King’s Cup – First

Jack Hargreaves
May 2025