Samuel Lock

UTS Haberfield Rowing Club (NSW)

Sam Loch, a proud alumnus of The King’s School in Sydney, made his mark in the rowing world in 2001, when he became part of the legendary King’s crew that went undefeated, triumphing in all 28 races they entered. Among these was the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta, where they showcased their unparalleled talent. At the Head of the River, Sam’s crew surged ahead with a stunning five-second victory, shattering event records with an electrifying time of 5:47. They also celebrated a remarkable win in the Barrington Cup at the nationals and claimed the coveted Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup, solidifying their legacy.

After leaving school, Sam seized the opportunity to attend Princeton University in the United States, graduating in 2006. During his time at Princeton, he not only honed his skills but also achieved impressive results, preparing him for a fierce return to Australian rowing.

Sam's first taste of international competition came in 2007 when he raced in the men’s four at World Cups II and III, finishing eighth and eleventh in the B finals. He pushed through the challenge at the World Championships, where the crew finished twelfth in the B final setting the stage for greater things to come.

In 2008, Sam played a pivotal role in the NSW King’s Cup crew that claimed victory, a triumph that set the tone for an incredible six-year run of success. Selected for the men’s eight, he helped the team secure gold at World Cup I and finish fourth at World Cup II.

2008 Victorious NSW King's Cup Eight - Sam on the left

However, the pinnacle of that season was the Beijing Olympics, where the Australian men’s eight fought valiantly but finished sixth in the final, fueling Sam’s determination to rise again.

The following year, 2009, brought another King’s Cup victory for Sam and NSW before he ventured to Europe to compete in the men’s eight. Although they narrowly missed the A final, they captured the B final, finishing seventh for the season, showcasing their tenacity.

In 2010, Sam celebrated a breakthrough moment, winning his first open men’s title in the four at the nationals. He added another King’s Cup to his growing collection and was selected for the four, where they triumphed at World Cup II. Transitioning into the eight for World Cup III, they claimed a silver medal, just behind the world champions, Germany. At the World Championships, he remained in the eight and earned a bronze medal, solidifying his place among the elite.

2010 World Championships Bronze Medal

In 2011, Sam's journey continued with another King’s Cup victory, and he was selected for the four, finishing seventh at World Cup III. The stakes were high at the World Championships, where the crew needed a top nine finish to qualify for the London Olympics. They met the challenge head-on, reaching the A final and securing a bronze medal—Loch’s second major medal in as many years.

2012 was a year of triumph, as he led NSW to another King’s Cup victory, marking six consecutive wins. This time, Sam was selected for the men’s eight at the London Olympics—his second Olympic appearance. The road to the Games was intense: at World Cup II, the crew finished sixth, but at World Cup III, they showcased their prowess with a silver medal. As they made critical seating changes before the final, Sam moved from bow to seven, ready to fight for glory. In a heart-stopping finish, the crew placed sixth, just 0.5 seconds away from a medal, a testament to their grit and determination.

2012 Australian Olympic Eight

In 2013, Sam raced for the last time, competing for NSW in the King’s Cup, where he secured his sixth and final title. After this chapter closed, he took a break from international competition, but not without leaving his mark: he and his King’s Cup partner, Matt Ryan, set a remarkable 24-hour tandem world record on the Concept2 rowing machine, covering 380.274 kilometres at an average split of 1:53.6 per 500 meters. This extraordinary feat doubled as a fundraiser for the Leukaemia Foundation, raising nearly $20,000 AUD for charity.

In 2015, Loch showcased his talent by placing second at the World Indoor Rowing Championships, finishing just behind Cuba's Angel Fournier Rodriguez. He currently holds the world record for 1000 meters on the Concept2 Ski Erg with an astonishing time of 2:54.4, set in early 2016. In July of that year, he broke an 11-year-old world record on the Concept2 Rowing Ergometer for 1000 meters, clocking in at an impressive 2:39.5. Later, in December, he added yet another achievement to his name by setting the record for the 'Most Metres Rowed in One Minute' on the Concept2 rower, covering an incredible 425 meters with a blazing 500-meter split of 1:10.5.

Sam Loch’s journey is one of relentless passion, extraordinary achievements, and an unwavering spirit that continues to inspire rowers everywhere

Some rowing highlights

2001 National Championship Schoolboy Eight – First

2001 Henley Royal Regatta Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup – First

2007 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Four – Eighth

2007 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Four – Eleventh

2007 World Rowing Championships Men’s Four – Twelfth

2008 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – 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

2009 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First

2009 World Rowing Championship Men’s Eight – Seventh

2010 National Championship Men’s Coxless Four – First

2010 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First

2010 Rowing World Cup II Men’s Coxless Four – First

2010 Rowing World Cup III Men’s Eight – Second

2010 World Rowing Championship Men’s Eight – Bronze

2011 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First

2011 Rowing World Cup III Men’s Four – Seventh

2011 World Rowing Championship Men’s Four – Third

2012 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First

2012 Rowing World Cup II Men’s Eight – Sixth

2012 Rowing World Cup III Men’s Eight – Second

2012 London Olympic Games Men’s Eight – Sixth

2013 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First

Jack Hargreaves
December 2024