Thomas Gibson
Huon Rowing Club (TAS)
Thomas Gibson, from Tasmania, is a distinguished Australian lightweight rower with a career that spans over a decade and includes national titles, World Cup podium finishes, and Olympic appearances. His specialties in the Lightweight Coxless Four, Lightweight Double Scull, and Lightweight Eight have earned him recognition as one of the top competitors in his field. Below is an overview of his impressive career.
Thomas Gibson’s journey in international rowing began in 2002, where he raced in the Lightweight Coxless Four at the World Rowing Cup II, finishing 10th. That same year, he competed at the World Rowing Under 23 Championships, earning a silver medal in the Lightweight Coxless Four, indicating his potential on the world stage.
By 2003, Gibson was becoming a significant figure in Australian lightweight rowing. He won the National Championship Under 23 Lightweight Coxless Four, and at the World Rowing Under 23 Championships, his crew claimed 1st place, cementing Gibson’s place as one of Australia's top lightweight rowers. In 2004, he continued his upward trajectory by securing multiple national titles, including the Lightweight Eight, Men's Interstate Lightweight Four Penrith Cup, and a World Championship bronze medal in the Lightweight Eight, where the Australian crew finished 3rd.
Tom on the podium of 2004 World Championships - Tom back row third from right
Photo from the Hebfotos collection - Photographer Peter Spurrier
In 2005, Gibson had a standout year, winning the National Championships in the Lightweight Coxless Pair, Lightweight Eight, and Men's Interstate Lightweight Four Penrith Cup, adding to his growing reputation. At the World Rowing Championships, he and his crew in the Lightweight Four earned 4th place, narrowly missing out on a medal.
The 2006 season marked one of Gibson’s most successful years. He captured National Championship titles in the Lightweight Single Scull, Lightweight Double Scull, Lightweight Eight, and Men's Interstate Lightweight Four Penrith Cup, demonstrating his versatility across multiple boat classes. Internationally, he earned podium finishes, including 3rd place in the World Rowing Cup I in the Lightweight Coxless Four and a 4th place in the Lightweight Double Scull at the World Rowing Championships.
In 2007, Gibson continued to build on his success. He won the National Lightweight Coxless Pair and raced in the World Rowing Championship Lightweight Double Scull, finishing in 4th place once again. These strong results kept him at the forefront of Australian lightweight rowing.
The 2008 season saw Gibson's Olympic debut. He won multiple National Championships, including in the Lightweight Single Scull, Lightweight Coxless Four, and Lightweight Eight. However, the Beijing Olympic Games proved to be a challenging event for the Lightweight Double Scull, as Gibson and his teammate finished in 10th place. Despite this result, it was a valuable Olympic experience that contributed to his growth as an athlete.
2008 Beijing Games with Tom in the stroke seat
From the Guerin collection
Gibson continued to dominate domestically, securing titles in the Lightweight Coxless Four, Lightweight Eight, and Men's Interstate Lightweight Four Penrith Cup in 2010. He also had a successful international season, winning the National Championship Lightweight Coxless Four and Lightweight Eight again in 2011, as well as securing a 5th place finish in the World Rowing Cup III Lightweight Coxless Four. Additionally, he claimed a gold medal in the Lightweight Eight at the World Rowing Championships, a defining moment in his career.
In 2012, Gibson had a standout national season, winning the National Championship Lightweight Single Scull, the Men's Interstate Lightweight Four Penrith Cup, and several other domestic titles. His performance at the FISA Olympic Qualification Regatta in the Lightweight Double Scull was notable, where his crew finished 2nd, securing qualification for the London Olympics. However, the 2012 London Olympics proved to be a tough campaign for the Lightweight Double Scull, as Gibson and his partner finished in 13th place.
In 2014, Gibson continued to race at a high level, securing victories at the National Championships and competing in the World Rowing Cups and World Rowing Championships. He and his team finished 5th in both the World Rowing Cup III and the World Rowing Championships in the Lightweight Coxless Four.
Thomas Gibson’s career is a testament to consistency, versatility, and resilience. Throughout his time on the international rowing scene, he earned multiple National Championship titles and podium finishes in World Cup events and World Rowing Championships. His Olympic experiences in 2008 and 2012 helped him grow as an athlete, and while he didn’t reach the podium in those Games, his contributions to Australia’s lightweight rowing program are undeniable.
Tom in the stroke seat of the Olympic Lightweight Double in London
Photo from the Guerin collection
Gibson’s ability to perform in multiple boat classes, from the Lightweight Single Scull to the Lightweight Eight and Lightweight Coxless Four, speaks to his adaptability and dedication to the sport. His World Championship gold in 2011 and several podiums finishes in major international events, coupled with his Olympic qualification efforts, mark him as one of the top Australian lightweight rowers of his generation.
Some rowing highlights
2002 World Rowing Cup II Lightweight Coxless Four – Tenth
2002 World Rowing Under 23 Championship Lightweight Coxless Four – Second
2003 National Championship Under 23 Lightweight Coxless Four – First
2003 World Rowing Cup III Lightweight Coxless Four – Twelfth
2003 World Rowing Under 23 Championship Lightweight Coxless Four – First
2004 National Championship Lightweight Eight – First
2004 National Championship Men's Interstate Lightweight Four Penrith Cup – First
2004 World Rowing Championship Lightweight Eight – Third
2005 National Championship Lightweight Coxless Pair – First
2005 National Championship Lightweight Eight – First
2005 National Championship Men's Interstate Lightweight Four Penrith Cup – First
2005 World Rowing Championship Lightweight Four – Fourth
2006 National Championship Lightweight Single Scull – First
2006 National Championship Lightweight Double Scull – First
2006 National Championship Lightweight Eight – First
2006 National Championship Men's Interstate Lightweight Four Penrith Cup – First
2006 World Rowing Cup I Lightweight Coxless Four – Third
2006 World Rowing Cup II Lightweight Double Scull – Fourth
2006 World Rowing Championship Lightweight Double Scull – Fourth
2007 National Championship Lightweight Coxless Pair – First
2007 World Rowing Cup III Lightweight Double Scull – Fourth
2007 World Rowing Championship Lightweight Double Scull – Fourth
2008 National Championship Lightweight Single Scull – First
2008 National Championship Lightweight Coxless Four – First
2008 National Championship Lightweight Eight – First
2008 World Rowing Cup II Lightweight Double Scull – Tenth
2008 World Rowing Cup III Lightweight Double Scull – Seventh
2008 Beijing Olympic Games Lightweight Double Scull – Tenth
2010 National Championship Lightweight Coxless Four – First
2010 National Championship Lightweight Eight – First
2010 National Championship Men's Interstate Lightweight Four Penrith Cup – First
2011 National Championship Lightweight Coxless Four – First
2011 National Championship Lightweight Eight – First
2011 National Championship Men's Interstate Lightweight Four Penrith Cup – First
2011 World Rowing Cup III Lightweight Coxless Four – Fifth
2011 World Rowing Championship Lightweight Pair – Fifth
2011 World Rowing Championship Lightweight Eight – First
2012 National Championship Lightweight Single Scull – First
2012 National Championship Men's Interstate Lightweight Four Penrith Cup – First
2012 FISA Olympic Qualification Regatta Lightweight Double Scull – Second
2012 World Rowing Cup II Lightweight Single Scull – Sixth
2012 London Olympic Games Lightweight Double Scull – Thirteenth
2014 World Rowing Cup III Lightweight Coxless Four – Fifth
2014 World Rowing Championship Lightweight Coxless Four – Fifth
Jack Hargreaves
May 2025