Home > Rowing Profiles > Hawkins, Stephen

Stephen Hawkins OAM

Lindisfarne Rowing Club (TAS)

Stephen was described by Peter Antonie as one of the strongest rowers in Australia. In a sport dominated by very strong athletes, this was not a big story. But the fact that Stephen was so short makes it an interest comments - he was short even by lightweight rower standards.

The performance of Stephen and Peter Antonie at the 1992 Olympic Games in the Double Scull is legendary. They raced superbly and as lightweights, were far smaller than their competitors.

It is without doubt, a highlight of Australian rowing not only as a result, but also that they gained and earned their selection. In many jurisdictions, such a combination might not have been given the opportunity. The coaches and selectors immediately knew that this was a superb combination which was of medal potential. Sadly only one coach could be appointed and Stephen's coach Tim McLaren was chosen over Peter's coach Brian Richardson. Perhaps it was Tim's sculling pedigree or that Brian could be better used in the team as the men's eight coach? Whatever the reason, it was one of the most difficult choices even made as both were excellent coaches and both wanted the task.

Peter Antonie (left) and Stephen Hawkins (right) after presentation of their Olympic Gold Medals at the Barcelona Games

1989 – Trans Tasman Juniors Men’s Scull

1989 – Interstate Men’s Sculling Championship – Race not conducted due to a cyclone.

1990 –Interstate Men’s Sculling Championship - Third

1990 – World Championships – Men’s Lightweight Quad stroke – Bronze

1991 – Interstate Men’s Sculling Championship - Third

1991 – World Championships – Men’s Lightweight Quad stroke - Gold

1992 – Interstate Men’s Sculling Championship - Fourth

1992 – Olympic Games – Men’s Double Scull bow – Gold

1993 – Interstate Men’s Sculling Championship - First

1993 – World Championships – Men’s Lightweight Single Scull – Silver

1994 – Interstate Men’s Sculling Championship - Second

1994 – World Championships – Men’s Lightweight Single Scull – Twelfth

Andrew Guerin
January 2023

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, errors may exist. Please send advice of any errors or inaccuracies by email to:

Also your comments, suggestions and photos are sought to enhance this site.

The idea for this history originated from the Olympic Rowing and World Senior Rowing Championship histories written by Andrew Guerin and Margot Foster in 1991, 1992 & 1993 for the Australian team handbooks. Andrew Guerin developed and extended these histories to the current format in 2004 for publication in 2004 and then expanded the site.

Steve Roll has been an invaluable contributor to the website in locating errors and finding Christian names of rowers. His superb work is acknowledged.

© Andrew Guerin – 2004
These contents of this history are copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted by the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. However given that the purpose of the history is to assist rowers and rowing clubs, written permission is not required for non-commercial usage by rowers and rowing clubs provided acknowledgement is made.

Disclaimer: Whilst extensive efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied, the editors take no responsibility for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from inaccuracies contained in this work.