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australian rowers profiles and history

William Lockwood

Melbourne University Boat Club (VIC)

William Lockwood has had an exceptional career in Australian rowing, with numerous victories and podium finishes at both national and international levels. Known for his versatility and leadership in sweep rowing, particularly in the men’s coxless four and eight, William Lockwood has firmly established himself as one of the top rowers of his generation. His commitment, talent, and resilience have propelled him to the highest echelons of the sport, and his journey is one of consistent excellence.

William Lockwood’s career began with significant success at the junior and under-23 levels. In 2006, he won the National Championship in the Under 19 Men’s Eight, setting the stage for what would become an illustrious career. Just two years later, in 2008, he raced the Interstate Men’s Youth Eight to victory at the National Championships.

His transition to senior-level rowing came in 2009, where he dominated the Under 23 categories. That year, he won the National Championship titles in both the Under 23 Coxless Pair and the Under 23 Coxless Four, showcasing his strength and versatility in sweep rowing. On the international stage, William competed at the Under 23 World Rowing Championships in the Men’s Eight, where the crew finished just outside the podium in fourth place, a promising result for his prospects.

By 2010, William Lockwood had solidified his place in the senior ranks. He continued to dominate at the National Championships, winning the Under 23 Coxless Four title for the second year in a row. Internationally, he achieved a career milestone with a first-place finish at World Rowing Cup II in the Men’s Coxless Four, a victory that would serve as a springboard for his future success. He also contributed to the Men’s Eight at World Rowing Cup III, where they finished second.

That same year, William claimed a third-place finish at the Under 23 World Rowing Championships in the Men’s Coxless Four. At the World Rowing Championships later that season, he helped the Australian Men’s Eight secure a bronze medal, a major achievement on the global stage.

2011 saw further international success with William competing in multiple disciplines. At World Rowing Cup III, he raced in the Men’s Coxed Pair, where they finished second, as well as the Men’s Coxless Pair, where they placed thirteenth. At the World Rowing Championships, he returned to the Men’s Coxed Pair, once again finishing with a silver medal.

In 2012, William added another silver medal to his collection at the World Rowing Cup II in the Men’s Coxless Four. At World Rowing Cup III, he helped the crew win the gold. Later that year, he competed at the London Olympic Games, where the Men’s Coxless Four secured a hard-fought silver medal, marking one of the highlights of his career.

From 2013 onwards, William’s performances continued to set him apart as one of Australia’s premier rowers. In 2013, he won the National Championship in the Men’s Coxless Four and went on to dominate the World Rowing Cup circuit. William and his crew won World Rowing Cup I, II, and III titles in the Men’s Coxless Four, and at the World Rowing Championships, they finished with a silver medal, cementing their status as one of the world’s best crews.

In 2014, William helped the Men’s Coxless Four to a fourth-place finish at World Rowing Cup I, followed by a first-place finish in the Men’s Eight. However, the year was marked by mixed results at the World Rowing Championships, where the Men’s Eight finished seventh. Despite this setback, William’s determination remained unwavering, and he continued to push towards future success.

2015 was a breakout year. At the National Championships, William helped the Interstate Men’s Eight claim first place. He also played a key role in the Men’s Coxless Four, winning at World Rowing Cup III and finishing second at the World Rowing Championships in the same discipline.

In 2016, William Lockwood reached the pinnacle of his career by competing in the Rio Olympics. At the World Rowing Cup II, his crew finished second in the Men’s Coxless Four, and at World Rowing Cup III, they secured a third-place finish. The culmination of the season came at the Rio Olympics, where William and the Australian Men’s Coxless Four won a well-deserved silver medal, marking his second Olympic medal and the crowning achievement of a stellar rowing career.

2016 Olympic Games with Will in bow seat

2016 Olympic Games presentation with Will on the left

Throughout his career, William Lockwood has been known not only for his incredible athleticism but also for his leadership and mental toughness. From his first National Championship win in the Under 19 Men’s Eight to his silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, he has consistently proven himself as one of Australia’s elite rowers.

His journey is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and passion for the sport. William Lockwood has left an indelible mark on Australian rowing, and his legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of rowers.

Some rowing highlights

2006 National Championship Under 19 Men’s Eight – First

2008 National Championship Interstate Men’s Youth Eight – First

2009 National Championship Under 23 Coxless Pair – First

2009 National Championship Under 23 Coxless Four – First

2009 Under 23 World Rowing Championships Men’s Eight – Fourth

2010 National Championship Under 23 Coxless Four – First

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

2010 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Eight – Second

2010 Under 23 World Rowing Championships Men’s Coxless Four – Third

2010 World Rowing Championships Men’s Eight – Third

2011 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Coxed Pair – Second

2011 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Coxless Pair – Thirteenth

2011 World Rowing Championships Men’s Coxed Pair – Second

2012 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Coxless Four – Second

2012 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Coxless Four – First

2012 London Olympic Games Men’s Coxless Four – Second

2013 National Championship Men’s Coxless Four – First

2013 World Rowing Cup I Men’s Coxless Four – First

2013 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Coxless Four – First

2013 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Coxless Four – Second

2013 World Rowing Championships Men’s Coxless Four – Second

2014 World Rowing Cup I Men’s Coxless Four – Fourth

2014 World Rowing Cup I Men’s Eight – First

2014 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Eight – Sixth

2014 World Rowing Championships Men’s Eight – Seventh

2015 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First

2015 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Coxless Four – Fourth

2015 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Coxless Four – First

2015 World Rowing Championships Men’s Coxless Four – Second

2016 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First

2016 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Coxless Four – Second

2016 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Coxless Four – Third

2016 Rio Olympic Games Men’s Coxless Four – Second

Jack Hargreaves
January 2025

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