Toby Lister

Sydney University Boat Club (NSW)

Toby Lister's career as a coxswain is a remarkable journey, full of consistent success and leadership. Starting at The Shore School in Sydney, Toby quickly made a name for himself as a standout coxswain, leading his school and club crews to victory on both national and international stages. His journey from schoolboy rowing to competing at the highest levels in Australia and internationally paints a picture of a dedicated athlete whose leadership and tactical insight were key to the success of his crews.

Toby's success began early in 2003, when he coxed the First Eight at the AAGPS Head of the River, leading Shore School to a first-place finish. That year, he also guided the team to victory in the National Championship Schoolboy Eight, marking the beginning of a career defined by leadership on the water. In 2004, Toby continued his dominance in schoolboy rowing, claiming another National Championship in the Schoolboy Eight. His Shore Schoolboy eight achievements weren’t confined to the school level, as he steered his team to victory in the prestigious River Gold Cup Open Men’s Eight going up against Under 23 and Senior Athletes from local clubs. Toby also represented Australia at the World Rowing Junior Championships in the coxed four, where his crew finished sixth, a result that, while not a medal, helped set the foundation for his future international career.

As Toby transitioned to Under 23 rowing in 2005, his success continued to grow. He secured national titles in both the Under 23 Eight and the Under 23 Coxed Four, cementing his place as one of Australia’s top coxswains. That year, he also helped New South Wales’ Interstate Youth Eight team finish third, showing his ability to lead a crew at all levels.

In 2006, Toby’s performances were nothing short of spectacular. He led the Under 23 Coxed Four to victory at the National Championships again, while the Under 23 Eight finished third. In addition to his national success, Toby’s leadership played a significant role in guiding the Interstate Youth Eight to a first-place finish, once again highlighting his ability to lead winning crews at multiple levels.

By 2007, Toby was firmly entrenched in the Under 23 rowing scene, and he continued to dominate. His victories in the Under 23 Coxed Four, under 23 Eight, and Interstate Youth Eight at the National Championships that year were impressive, marking another year of clean sweeps for the talented coxswain. On the international front, Toby’s crew finished third in the Under 23 World Rowing Championships in the Eight.

2007 World Under 23 Championships - Toby front left

In 2008, Toby continued to shine, winning national titles in both the Under 23 Coxed Four and the Under 23 Eight. However, the Under 23 World Rowing Championships in 2008 didn’t go as planned, with his crew finishing seventh in the Eight. This result, though disappointing, was part of the learning curve for Toby, preparing him for future success on the world stage. In 2009, Toby bounced back with a victory in the Under 23 Eight at the National Championships, and he also guided New South Wales to win the coveted Kings Cup. He competed in the World Rowing Championships, where the Men’s Eight finished seventh. It was a solid performance that set the stage for even more success in the years ahead.

Toby’s achievements in 2010 marked one of the peaks of his career. He coxed the Coxed Four to victory in the National Championships and guided New South Wales to another win in the Kings Cup. On the world stage, his crew finished second at the World Rowing Cup III in the Men’s Eight. He also led the Coxed Pair to a first-place finish at the same event, underscoring his versatility as a coxswain. At the World Rowing Championships, the Men’s Eight crew he coxed finished third, securing a hard-earned bronze medal.

Finishing stages of 2010 World Championships final

In 2011, Toby continued his dominant run in national rowing, winning the Coxed Four and the Kings Cup for New South Wales. He also performed well at the World Rowing Cup III, where his Coxed Pair finished second and the Men’s Eight finished fourth at the World Rowing Championships, narrowly missing a medal but solidifying their status as one of the top crews in the world.

By 2012, Toby had reached the pinnacle of his career, representing Australia at the London Olympic Games in the Men’s Eight. While the crew finished sixth in a highly competitive final, the experience of competing at the Olympics was a testament to his leadership and skill. Domestically, he helped New South Wales win the Kings Cup once again, adding another title to his legacy.

2012 Olympic Games

Toby's career in 2013 and 2014 continued to be defined by his consistency and leadership. He led New South Wales to victory in the Kings Cup twice in 2013, and in 2014, he guided them to yet another win. Toby's national dominance remained unchallenged, though internationally his Men’s Eight finished fifth at the World Rowing Cup I in 2013 and second at the World Rowing Cup III in 2012. His final year of competition in 2015 saw Toby's crew finish second in the Kings Cup, bringing his illustrious career to a close.

Toby Lister’s career is a testament to the vital role that a coxswain plays in a rowing crew. His leadership, precision, and ability to inspire his teams resulted in a career filled with national championships, world-class performances, and Olympic competition. From schoolboy rowing at The Shore School to international competition with Sydney University and New South Wales, Toby's influence on the sport of rowing in Australia is lasting. His achievements are a true reflection of a coxswain who not only led from the front but also shaped the outcomes of every race he took part in.

Some rowing highlights

2003 AAGPS Head of the River First Eight - First

2003 National Championship Schoolboy Eight – First

2004 National Championship Schoolboy Eight – First

2004 River Gold Cup Open Men’s Eight – First

2004 AAGPS Head of the River First Eight - First

2004 World Rowing Junior Championships Coxed Four – Sixth

2005 National Championship Under 23 Eight – First

2005 National Championship Under 23 Coxed Four – First

2005 National Championship Interstate Youth Eight – Third

2006 National Championship Under 23 Coxed Four – First

2006 National Championship Under 23 Eight – Third

2006 National Championship Interstate Youth Eight – First

2007 National Championship Under 23 Coxed Four – First

2007 National Championship Under 23 Eight -First

2007 National Championship Interstate Youth Eight – First

2007 Under 23 World Rowing Championships Eight – Third

2008 National Championship Under 23 Coxed Four – First

2008 National Championship Under 23 Eight – Second

2008 Under 23 World Rowing Championships Eight – Seventh

2009 National Championship Under 23 Eight – First

2009 National Championship Interstate Eight Kings Cup– First

2009 World Rowing Championship Men’s Eight – Seventh

2010 National Championship Coxed Four – First

2010 National Championship Interstate Eight Kings Cup – First

2010 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Eight – Second

2010 World Rowing Cup III Coxed Pair – First

2010 World Rowing Championship Men’s Eight – Third

2011 National Championship Coxed Four – First

2011 National Championship Interstate Eight Kings Cup – First

2011 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Eight – Seventh

2011 World Rowing Cup III Coxed Pair – Second

2011 World Rowing Championship Men’s Eight – Fourth

2012 National Championship Interstate Eight Kings Cup – First

2012 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Eight – Sixth

2012 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Eight – Second

2012 London Olympic Games Men’s Eight – Sixth

2013 National Championship Interstate Eight Kings Cup – First

2013 World Rowing Cup I Men’s Eight – Fifth

2014 National Championship Interstate Eight Kings Cup – First

2015 National Championship Interstate Eight Kings Cup – Second

Jack Hargreaves
April 2025