Tom Laurich

Barrenjoey High School (NSW) then Nepean Rowing Club (NSW) then Mosman Rowing Club (NSW)

Tom Laurich’s career is a remarkable journey of growth, achievement, and consistent performances, both nationally and internationally. Hailing from New South Wales, Tom’s story in the world of rowing spans a variety of boat classes, with notable victories and near-misses at the world’s most prestigious events. His versatility, particularly in sculling and sweep rowing, shines through his results across the years.

Early Achievements and Junior Success (1997-1998)

Tom’s rowing career took off in the late 1990s, where he showcased his early talent. In 1997, he earned a third place in the Junior Single Scull at the Australian National Championships, setting the stage for future successes. That same year, he partnered up in the Junior Double Scull, where he and his teammate took first place—a strong start for a promising rower.

In 1998, Tom had an exceptional year. Starting with the NSW Combined High Schools sculling championship, he then dominated the Australian National Championships, claiming first place in both the Junior Single Scull and the Junior Double Scull. Additionally, he helped his crew to victory in the Junior Quad Scull, showing his ability to perform both individually and as part of a team. His international debut at the 1998 World Rowing Junior Championships saw him finish third in the Single Scull, securing his place as one of the top junior rowers in the world.

Tom after the presentation of his bronze medal at the World Under 19 Championships
Photo from the Hebfotos collection

Transition to Senior Competition (1999-2002)

The transition from junior to senior rowing is always a challenge, but Tom faced it head-on. In 1999, he competed in the World Rowing Under 23 Championships in the Quad Scull, where his crew finished seventh—a solid result at a highly competitive level.

Tom’s performances in the 2000 Australian National Championships included a third-place finish in the Quad Scull and a fourth-place finish in the World Rowing Under 23 Championship Single Scull, showing his continued development and versatility. His progression was marked by his success in the 2001 Australian National Championships, where he and Peter Hardcastle claimed first place in the Open Double Scull.

2001 Double Scull Champions Tom Laurich and Peter Hardcastle

In 2002, Tom took part in the prestigious Interstate Men’s Eight (King’s Cup), where his team finished third, demonstrating his growing leadership in sweep rowing. He also represented Australia at the 2002 World Rowing Championships, finishing 11th in the Coxed Four and third in the Coxed Pair, continuing to build his international resume.

Olympic Dreams and Continued Excellence (2004)

By 2004, Tom was on the cusp of achieving his Olympic dream. That year, he and his crew won the King’s Cup (Interstate Men’s Eight) at the Australian National Championships, capturing first place in one of Australian rowing’s most prestigious events. This was the first time in 20 Years that NSW won the King’s Cup On the world stage, he continued to impress with a fourth-place finish in the Coxless Four at the World Rowing Cup III.

Tom’s appearance at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games was a defining moment in his career. He raced in the Coxless Four, and while the crew narrowly missed a medal, finishing fourth, it was an incredible achievement to represent Australia on the Olympic stage and be part of a team competing at the highest level of international rowing.

Tom in the three seat of the 2004 Olympic Four s it leaves the start
Photo from the Hebfotos collection

International Success and Challenges (2006-2008)

After the Athens Games, Tom continued to perform at a high level. In 2006, he raced in the Men’s Eight, achieving a third-place finish at World Rowing Cup I, followed by a first-place finish at World Rowing Cup II—showcasing his dominance in the event. However, despite strong results in the lead-up, the 2006 World Rowing Championships saw Tom’s Men’s Eight crew finish just fourth, falling agonizingly short of a podium position.

In 2007, Tom's crew had mixed results. His team finished second in the Interstate Men’s Eight (King’s Cup), while his results at the World Rowing Cups II and III saw finishes of tenth and sixth, respectively. At the 2007 World Rowing Championships, his Men’s Eight crew finished eighth, a challenging result but one that showed the competitive nature of the field.

By 2008, Tom’s experience and leadership helped his Men’s Eight crew to a first-place finish at World Rowing Cup I, and his crew also won the Interstate Men’s Eight (King’s Cup) at the 2008 Australian National Championships—a major national victory for him and the crew. His success continued at the 2008 World Rowing Cup II, where the Men’s Eight finished fourth.

In the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Tom and the Men’s Eight faced fierce competition and finished sixth, a result that was bittersweet considering their preparation and the high expectations for a podium finish. Nonetheless, it was another notable moment in his distinguished career.

Legacy and Conclusion

Tom Laurich’s career is defined by his versatility, resilience, and leadership. His journey from a promising junior rower in the late 1990s to an Olympian in 2004 and continued competitor at the highest levels of rowing is a testament to his dedication to the sport. Whether in singles, doubles, quads, or eights, Tom excelled in multiple boat classes and across different formats, reflecting his adaptability and technical skills.

His performances at the World Rowing Championships, World Rowing Cups, and the Olympic Games have cemented his place as one of Australia’s top rowers of his generation. Despite narrowly missing out on medals in the 2004 Olympics and 2006 World Championships, Tom’s career remains one of remarkable consistency, and his achievements in the Interstate Men’s Eight (King’s Cup) and on the World Cup circuit stand as major highlights.

Tom has chosen a career in coaching and has become one of Australia's leading coaches. His crews continue to benefit from his determination, experience and love of the sport. At the time of writing this, he is the senior coach at Sydney University Boat Club.

Tom’s legacy is one of determination, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—values that have defined his rowing career and continue to inspire up-and-coming athletes in Australian rowing.

Some rowing highlights

1997 Australian National Championship Junior Single Scull – Third

1997 Australian National Championship Junior Double Scull – First

1998 Australian National Championship Junior Single Scull – First

1998 Australian National Championship Junior Double Scull – First

1998 Australian National Championship Junior Quad Scull – First

1998 World Rowing Junior Championship Single Scull – Third

1999 World Rowing Under 23 Championship Quad Scull – Seventh

2000 Australian National Championship Quad Scull – Third

2000 World Rowing Under 23 Championship Single Scull – Fourth

2001 Australian National Championship Double Scull – First

2001 World Rowing Cup IV Quad Scull – Sixth

2002 Australian National Championship Interstate Eight King’s Cup – Third

2002 World Rowing Championship Coxed Four – Eleventh

2002 World Rowing Championship Coxed Pair – Third

2003 Australian National Championship Interstate Eight King’s Cup – Third

2004 Australian National Championship Interstate Eight King’s Cup – First

2004 World Rowing Cup III Coxless Four – Four

2004 Athens Olympic Games Coxless Four – Fourth

2006 Australian National Championship Interstate Eight King’s Cup – Third

2006 World Rowing Cup I Men’s Eight – Third

2006 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Eight – First

2006 World Rowing Championship Men’s Eight – Fourth

2007 Australian National Championship Interstate Eight King’s Cup – Second

2007 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Eight – Tenth

2007 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Eight – Sixth

2007 World Rowing Championship Men’s Eight – Eighth

2008 Australian National Championship Interstate Eight King’s Cup – First

2008 World Rowing Cup I Men’s Eight - First

2008 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Eight – Fourth

2008 Beijing Olympic Games Men’s Eight – Sixth

Jack Hargreaves
May 2025