James McRae
Murray Bridge Rowing Club (SA)
James McRae’s career in rowing is a testament to his consistent excellence, versatility, and dedication to the sport. A proud representative of South Australia, James's journey in rowing spans over two decades, marked by multiple national titles, international podiums, and Olympic glory. His career trajectory showcases his exceptional skill in a variety of boats, including the single scull, double scull, and quad scull, as well as his leadership in team events.
James McRae’s rowing career began with early success in the junior ranks, demonstrating a remarkable ability to dominate on the water from a young age. His first significant achievement came in 2001, when he won the National Championship in the Under Double Scull. He continued his winning streak, securing the Under 17 Single Scull National Championships in 2002 and 2003, establishing himself as one of the top young rowers in Australia.
In 2005, James took another leap forward by winning both the Under 19 Double Scull and Under 19 Single Scull at the National Championships, further proving his ability in both sculling and sweep events. His international debut that same year at the World Rowing Junior Championships in the Double Scull saw him place 10th, a valuable learning experience that set the stage for future success.
James continued his ascent in the Australian rowing scene with remarkable results in 2006, where he secured victories at the National Championships in the Under 23 Single Scull and the Open Quad Scull. His performance at the Under 23 World Rowing Championships in the Double Scull, where he finished 5th, demonstrated his potential on the international stage. This was just the beginning of a series of national and international successes that would follow in the coming years.
In 2007, James’s versatility continued to shine. He claimed national titles in the Open Quad Scull and the Under 23 Double Scull. His international outings included competitive results at the World Rowing Cups in both Quad Scull events, where he placed 7th in the first and 4th in the second. Although the World Rowing Championships in 2007 ended in 10th place for the Men’s Quad Scull, these experiences laid the foundation for future breakthroughs.
James’s Olympic debut came in 2008, where he competed in the Men’s Quad Scull at the Beijing Olympic Games. His crew finished just outside the medals, placing 4th in a highly competitive field. This near-miss at the Olympics only fueled his drive to return to the world stage.
In 2009, James had a standout year. He secured victories in the Under 23 Single Scull, Double Scull, and Quad Scull at the National Championships, continuing to dominate the domestic scene. On the international front, he and his crew clinched a 3rd place finish in the Under 23 World Rowing Championships in the Double Scull, cementing his status as a rising star in the sport.
The following year, James achieved a major career milestone, claiming 1st place in the World Rowing Championships in the Men’s Quad Scull in 2011, marking his first World Championship gold. Additionally, he secured 1st place in the President’s Cup, the prestigious national interstate competition in the Single Scull, in the same year. These triumphs set the stage for his Olympic ambitions.
World Champion Quad in 2011 - James in two seat
Image from the Hebfotos collection
At the 2012 London Olympics, James and his crew in the Men’s Quad Scull earned a bronze medal, delivering an outstanding performance on the world stage. This achievement was a breakthrough moment in his career, marking his arrival as one of the top rowers in the world.
James continued to dominate on the international circuit after the London Olympics. In 2013, he added more gold to his collection, winning the Coxless Pair at the National Championships and following it up with a 2nd place finish at World Rowing Cup I. However, at the 2013 World Rowing Championships, his Coxless Pair crew finished 13th, reflecting the unpredictable nature of international competition.
In 2014, James’s performances in the Double Scull were particularly notable, with podium finishes at the World Rowing Cups, including a 2nd place at World Rowing Cup III and a 3rd place at the World Championships in the Double Scull. These results reinforced his reputation as one of the premier scullers in the world.
2015 was another successful year for James, with victories in the Men’s Quad Scull at the National Championships and a solid series of results in the World Rowing Cups. He and his partner earned 2nd place at World Cup II in the Double Scull, with a 3rd place finish at World Cup III. However, despite a strong year, his World Rowing Championship performance in the Double Scull was a 5th place finish, again demonstrating the tight competition at the highest level.
In 2016, James McRae and the Australian Men’s Quad Scull crew went on to achieve one of the greatest accomplishments of his career. At the Rio Olympic Games, James and his teammates secured a silver medal, finishing just behind the dominant German crew. This achievement was a remarkable moment in Australian rowing history and represented James’s relentless pursuit of excellence in the sport.
Silver medallist Quad Scull at 2016 Olympic Games - James on the right
Relaxing at Rio with family and his crew after winning a silver medal
Images from the Guerin collection
After Rio, James continued to compete at the highest level, with a dominant victory in the Coxless Four at the National Championships in 2017.
James McRae’s career reflects a remarkable consistency at the top level of rowing, with multiple national titles, World Championship medals, and Olympic success. From his early days dominating the junior ranks to becoming a world-class competitor and Olympic medallist, his journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and a passion for the sport of rowing.
James has now introduced coaching to his rowing repertoire being a highly successful school first VIII coach in SA.
As he continues to row with ambition and skill, James McRae has undoubtedly earned his place as one of the all-time greats in Australian rowing, and his legacy will inspire future generations of rowers for years to come.
Key rowing highlights
2001 National Championship Under Double Scull – First
2002 National Championship Under 17 Single Scull – First
2003 National Championship Under 17 Single Scull – First
2005 National Championship Under 19 Double scull – First
2005 National Championship Under 19 Single scull – First
2005 World Rowing Junior Championships Double Scull – Tenth
2006 National Championship Under 23 Single Scull – First
2006 National Championship Open Quad Scull – First
2006 Under 23 World Rowing Championships Double Scull – Fifth
2007 National Championship Open Quad Scull – First
2007 National Championship Under 23 Double Scull – First
2007 World Rowing Cup I Men’s Quad Scull -Seventh
2007 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Quad Scull – Fourth
2007 World Rowing Championships Men’s Quad Scull – Tenth
2008 World Rowing Cup I Men’s Quad Scull – Fifth
2008 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Quad Scull – Seventh
2008 Beijing Olympic Games Men’s Quad Scull – Fourth
2009 National Championship Under 23 Single Scull – First
2009 National Championship Under 23 Double Scull – First
2009 National Championship Under 23 Quad Scull – First
2009 Under 23 World Rowing Championship Double Scull – Third
2010 World Rowing Championship Men’s Quad Scull – Third
2011 National Championship Men’s Quad Scull – First
2011 National Championship Interstate Single Scull President’s Cup – First
2011 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Quad Scull – Third
2011 World Rowing Championship Men’s Quad Scull – First
2012 National Championship Men’s Quad Scull – First
2012 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Quad Scull – Ninth
2012 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Quad Scull – Fifth
2012 London Olympic Games Men’s Quad Scull – Third
2013 National Championship Coxless Pair – First
2013 World Rowing cup I Coxless Pair – Second
2013 World Rowing Championship Coxless Pair – Thirteenth
2014 World Rowing Cup I Quad Scull – Third
2014 World Rowing Cup II Double Scull – Third
2014 World Rowing Cup III Double Scull – Second
2014 World Rowing Championship Double Scull – Third
2015 National Championship Men’s Quad Scull – First
2015 World Rowing Cup II Double Scull – Second
2015 World Rowing Cup III Double Scull – Third
2015 World Rowing Championship Double Scull – Fifth
2016 World Rowing Cup II Quad Scull – First
2016 World Rowing Cup III Quad Scull – First
2016 Rio Olympic Games Quad Scull – Second
2017 National Championship Coxless Four – First
Jack Hargreaves
February 2025