Scott Laidler
University of Queensland Boat Club (QLD)
Scott Laidler, from Queensland, is a dedicated and experienced rower whose career spans both the Under 23 and Senior Men's levels. His results in international competitions, particularly in the Men’s Eight and Men’s Four, highlight his persistence and competitiveness. Laidler’s career is marked by his consistent appearances at the World Rowing Championships and World Rowing Cups, where he earned several top finishes in the Men's Eight.
Laidler’s international rowing career began in 2008 at the World Junior Rowing Championships, where he competed in the Quad Scull, finishing 9th. This early experience helped him develop the skills and mindset necessary to transition into the senior ranks.
Scott stroking the Australian Under 19 Quad Scull
Photo from the Hebfotos collection - Photographer Peter Spurrier
In 2010, Laidler competed in the Under 23 World Rowing Championships with the Men's Eight, finishing 9th. His time with the Under 23s allowed him to gain valuable experience on the international circuit and set the stage for his next major steps.
By 2012, Laidler had transitioned to the Under 23 World Rowing Championships, this time in the Coxed Four, where his crew finished in 5th place. This event was a further testament to his versatility and ability to adapt to different boat classes.
Laidler’s progression continued into senior-level rowing in 2013, when he earned a spot in the Men’s Eight for the World Rowing Cup I, where his crew placed 3rd. This marked a breakthrough moment in his career, as he was now competing on the senior stage with some of the best rowers in the world.
At the 2013 World Rowing Championships, Laidler’s Men’s Eight crew secured a 7th place finish, which was an encouraging result despite missing out on the podium. This demonstrated his ability to perform on the world stage and gain valuable experience.
2013 Australian Eight with Scott in six seat after their final
Photo courtesy of Rowing Australia
The 2014 season saw Laidler continue to improve and make significant strides in the international rowing scene. At World Rowing Cup I, he and his crew in the Men’s Eight claimed 1st place, a major highlight of his career and a significant achievement for Queensland rowing. Additionally, he also competed in the Men's Four at the same event, finishing 3rd. These strong performances in both the Eight and Four established Laidler as a key member of Australia's senior squad.
At the 2014 World Rowing Cup III, Laidler’s Men's Eight finished 6th, and at the 2014 World Rowing Championships, they placed 7th again, solidifying their position as one of the top crews in the world.
The 2015 season brought mixed results. At World Rowing Cup III, Laidler’s Men’s Eight finished 5th, and at the 2015 World Rowing Championships, the crew placed 9th. While these results were not podium finishes, they demonstrated Laidler’s resilience and ability to perform in a highly competitive environment.
2015 Australian Eight with Scott in three seat
Photo courtesy of Rowing Australia
In 2016, Laidler competed in the FISA European and Final Olympic Qualification Regatta with the Men's Eight, where the crew narrowly missed out on qualification, finishing 4th. This result marked a challenging moment in his career, as they fell short of securing an Olympic spot, but it was a testament to the fierce competition at the top level of international rowing.
Scott Laidler’s rowing career may not have included a World Championship medal, but it is one built on consistent international representation and a strong team-focused mentality. His results in the Men’s Eight and Men’s Four have made him a key figure in Australian rowing throughout his career, particularly in the World Rowing Cups and World Rowing Championships.
Laidler’s journey reflects the reality of elite sport—one where success is often measured by incremental progress, perseverance in the face of setbacks.
Some rowing highlights
2008 Australian Rowing Championships, Junior Eight - First
2008 World Junior Rowing Championships Quad Scull – Ninth
2010 Under 23 World Rowing Championships Men’s Eight – Ninth
2012 Under 23 World Rowing Championship Coxed Four – Fifth
2013 World Rowing Cup I Men’s Eight – Third
2013 World Rowing Championship Men’s Eight – Seventh
2014 World Rowing Cup I Men’s Eight – First
2014 World Rowing Cup I Men’s Four – Third
2014 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Eight – Sixth
2014 World Rowing Championship Men’s Eight – Seventh
2015 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Eight - Fifth
2015 World Rowing Championship Men’s Eight – Ninth
2016 FISA European and Final Olympic Qualification Regatta Men’s Eight – Fourth
Jack Hargreaves
May 2025