Tom Larkins

Melbourne University Boat Club (VIC)

Tom Larkins’ rowing career reflects years of dedication, determination, and consistent performance, particularly in Australia’s high-level competitions. As a representative of Victoria, Larkins' contributions to the Melbourne University Boat Club (MUBC) and his national achievements have cemented him as one of Australia’s top rowers. His journey through multiple boat classes and his steady success in international and national regattas showcases his versatility, skill, and commitment to the sport.

Early Years and Promising Beginnings (2005-2006)

Larkins’ competitive rowing career began in 2005, with an impressive performance at the Australian National Championships. He finished second in both the Under-23 Men’s Eight and the Under-23 Coxed Four, establishing himself as a rising talent in Australian rowing. His skill and determination were on full display, and these early results set the stage for a long and successful career.

2005 National Championships Under 23 Eight - Tom in six seat

In 2006, Larkins continued to show his versatility and resilience. He again finished second in the Under-23 Coxed Four at the Australian National Championships, and was also part of the Interstate Youth Eight that secured third place in the Interstate Regatta. These early years not only demonstrated his potential but also his ability to perform at the highest levels in national competitions. At the Under-23 World Rowing Championships, Larkins and the Australian Eight earned a commendable third-place finish, further showcasing his talent on the international stage.

Climbing the Ladder: International Exposure (2007-2009)

In 2007, Larkins achieved another milestone with a third-place finish at the Under-23 World Rowing Championships in the Men’s Eight, reinforcing his position as one of Australia’s top young rowers. However, it was in 2008 when things began to get more challenging. His crew finished in seventh place at the Under-23 World Rowing Championships in the Men’s Eight, but it was a learning experience that would only fuel his drive for success.

The 2009 Australian National Championships marked a breakthrough year for Larkins. He finished second in the Coxless Pair, a testament to his skill as a versatile rower capable of competing across boat classes. In the same year, Larkins helped the Coxless Four secure first place, and the Interstate Men’s Eight finished second, reinforcing his status as a strong competitor in both national and interstate regattas. Internationally, Larkins and his team competed at the World Rowing Championships, where the Men’s Eight finished in seventh place, an experience that motivated them to improve for future seasons.

2009 Australian Eight with Tom in bow

The Road to Consistency and Success (2010-2011)

Larkins continued his ascent in 2010 with another stellar year. He again finished second in the Coxless Pair and first in the Coxless Four at the Australian National Championships. His consistent performances in the Interstate Men’s Eight, where the team finished second, highlighted his leadership and continued presence at the top levels of Australian rowing.

Internationally, 2010 proved to be a year of growth. At the World Rowing Cup II, Larkins and his Men’s Eight finished second, while the World Rowing Cup III saw them place second as well. These performances solidified Larkins’ standing among the world’s best rowers.

2011 proved to be a challenging year for Larkins. Despite strong results domestically—third in the Coxless Pair and second in the Interstate Men’s Eight—he and his partner finished fifteenth at the World Rowing Cup III in the Coxless Pair. However, Larkins’ resilience shone through as the team finished seventh at the World Rowing Championships in the same event. Though the result wasn’t a podium finish, Larkins’ continued drive and adaptability were evident, setting the stage for his continued pursuit of excellence.

International Recognition and Leadership (2012-2015)

In 2012, Larkins competed in the World Rowing Cup II, where his Coxless Pair finished thirteenth, and the results highlighted the fierce competition that rowers like Larkins faced on the international stage. Despite the setbacks, Larkins continued to be a key member of the Victorian rowing team and the Melbourne University Boat Club, showing his resilience and commitment to improvement.

By 2014, Larkins had cemented his position as a key player in Australia’s elite rowing circles. He contributed to the Interstate Men’s Eight, which secured second at the Australian National Championships. At the World Rowing Cup I, Larkins was part of the Coxless Four, which finished fifth, and the Men’s Eight, which came in fourth. His continued participation in international events, including the World Rowing Cup III, where his Men’s Eight finished sixth, reflected his experience and leadership in high-pressure situations. The 2014 World Rowing Championships in the Men’s Eight saw Larkins and his crew finish in seventh, a respectable result given the fierce competition.

2014 Australian Eight with Tom in bow

In 2015, Larkins reached another high point in his career. At the Australian National Championships, he led the Interstate Men’s Eight to first place, achieving a long-deserved victory that capped off his years of effort, teamwork, and leadership.

Legacy and Reflection

Tom Larkins’ career has been defined by his adaptability, perseverance, and success across various boat classes and prestigious regattas. His numerous second-place finishes in national events, combined with podium finishes at the Under-23 World Rowing Championships and World Rowing Cups, showcased his resilience and leadership. From the early years of racing for Victoria to the culmination of his achievements in the 2015 Interstate Men’s Eight victory

Some rowing highlights

2005 Australian National Championship Under 23 Eight – Second

2005 Australian National Championship Under 23 Coxed Four – Second

2006 Australian National Championship Under 23 Coxed Four – Second

2006 Australian National Championship Interstate Interstate Youth Eight – Third

2007 Under 23 World Rowing Championships Eight -Third

2008 Under 23 World Rowing Championships Eight – Seventh

2009 Australian National Championship Coxless Pair – Second

2009 Australian National Championship Coxless Four – First

2009 Australian National Championship Interstate Interstate Eight – Second

2009 World Rowing Championships Men’s Eight – Seventh

2010 Australian National Championship Coxless Pair – Second

2010 Australian National Championship Coxless Four – First

2010 Australian National Championship Interstate Interstate Eight – Second

2010 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Eight – Eleventh

2010 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Eight – Second

2011 Australian National Championship Coxless Pair – Third

2011 Australian National Championship Interstate Interstate Eight – Second

2011 World Rowing Cup III Coxless Pair – Fifteenth

2011 World Rowing Championship Coxless Pair – Seventh

2012 World Rowing Cup II Coxless Pair – Thirteenth

2014 Australian National Championship Interstate Interstate Eight – Second

2014 World Rowing Cup I Coxless Four – Fifth

2014 World Rowing Cup I Men’s Eight – Fourth

2014 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Eight – Sixth

2014 World Rowing Championship Men’s Eight – Seventh

2015 Australian National Championship Interstate Interstate Eight – First

Jack Hargreaves
April 2025