Dan Noonan

Mosman Rowing Club (NSW) then Sydney University Boat Club (NSW)

Dan Noonan’s rowing journey began at St Ignatius College (Riverview) in Sydney, where he made history by stroking the first-ever Riverview crew to win the Gold Cup, overcoming fierce competition from university and club teams. In his final year, he was chosen for the Junior Coxed Four to compete at the World Championships in Belgium, where they fought valiantly to finish fifth in the A Final.

After graduating, Dan's commitment to rowing only intensified. In 2000, he captured the U23 national title in the men’s double scull and earned a coveted spot at the U23 World Championships in the men’s quad. There, he claimed his first international medal, finishing a thrilling second in the A Final.

Returning to Australia, Dan balanced the rigors of full-time plumbing with relentless training. It wasn’t until 2006 that he returned to the international stage, racing at the senior level. At World Cup 1, he placed third, proudly winning his first senior medal. He then switched to the double scull for World Cup 2, finishing twelfth, before rejoining the quad for the World Championships, where they concluded the year with a determined ninth-place finish after a fiercely contested final.

Dan stroking the Australian Quad Scull at the 2006 World Championships

In 2007, Dan took on the international season in the men’s single scull, finishing thirtieth at World Cup 1 and fifteenth at World Cup 2. These were the only two regattas he competed in that year, but the fire within him continued to burn brightly.

The year 2008 marked a pinnacle in Dan’s career, both nationally and internationally. He not only clinched the national title in the men’s single scull but also triumphed in the men’s quad scull. At the Interstate Regatta, he dominated the field to win the President’s Cup, leading from the very first stroke. These remarkable achievements earned him a spot in the men’s quad for the Olympic Games. At World Cup 1, the crew finished fifth, and at World Cup 2, they placed seventh. But it was at the Beijing Olympics that Dan truly shone. In the heat, he stroked the quad to an electrifying victory, setting a new world best time. They advanced to the A Final, where they battled fiercely but narrowly missed a bronze medal by a heart-wrenching 0.3 seconds. This disappointment became a powerful lesson, igniting his determination for future success.

Dan on the right of the winning 2008 NSW crew

In 2009, Dan once again claimed a national title in the men’s quad scull and strode into the NSW Kings Cup, leading the crew to victory over their rivals from Victoria. He returned to the men’s quad at the World Championships, where they held a narrow lead over the reigning Olympic champions, Poland, but ultimately finished just behind them in a thrilling race.

The momentum continued in 2010 as Dan secured another national title in the quad and celebrated yet another Kings Cup victory before heading back overseas. At World Cup 2, he placed fourth and finished fifth at World Cup 3. Yet, it was at the World Championships that Dan and his crew truly elevated their performance, seizing a bronze medal in the final.

Dan on the left after taking a bronze medal at the 2010 World Championships

2011 was another remarkable year, with Dan winning yet another national title in the quad and achieving his third Kings Cup victory with an impressive time of 5:21.1, tantalizingly close to the world record. Competing in the quad for World Cup 3, he picked up another bronze. At the World Championships, Dan led the men’s quad to Australia’s first gold medal in this event, fiercely battling with the Germans down the track and securing qualification for the London Olympics.

In 2012, Dan captured another national title in the quad—the same crew chosen for the Olympics later that year. He also celebrated another Kings Cup victory, powering through the Victorians in the second half of the race. As he prepared for the international season, the quad placed third at World Cup 3. Despite suffering from rib issues leading up to the Olympics, Dan's unwavering determination allowed him to maintain his fitness. With all crew members returning from the World Champion quad, they were eager to repeat their past success. In the Final, they fought tooth and nail with Germany and Croatia, ultimately winning a bronze medal. This race marked the end of Dan’s international career, a fitting conclusion to an extraordinary journey.

In 2013, Dan strode into the Kings Cup one final time, leading his crew to victory for an incredible fifth time. Now retired, he passionately dedicates himself to the rowing program at his alma mater, St Ignatius Sydney, where he has transformed the program into a powerhouse, guiding students to win both Head of the River and national titles.

Some rowing highlights

1997 Riverview Gold Cup Men’s Eight – First

1997 World rowing junior Championship Men’s Coxed Four – Fifth

2000 National Championship U23 Men’s Double Scull – First

2000 World Championship U23 Men’s Quad Scull – Second

2006 World Rowing Cup I Men’s Quad Scull – Third

2006 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Double Scull – Twelfth

2006 World Rowing Championship Men’s Quad Scull – Ninth

2007 World Rowing Cup I Men’s Single Scull – Thirtieth

2007 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Single Scull – Fifteenth

2008 National Championship Men’s Single Scull – First

2008 National Championship Presidents cup Men’s Single – First

2008 National Championship Men’s Quad Scull – First

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 Men’s Quad Scull – First

2009 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First

2009 World Rowing Championships Men’s Quad Scull – Second

2010 National Championship Men’s Quad Scull – First

2010 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First

2010 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Quad Scull – Fourth

2010 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Quad Scull – Fifth

2010 World Rowing Championships Men’s Quad Scull – Bronze

2011 National Championship Men’s Quad Scull – First

2011 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First

2011 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Quad Scull – Third

2011 World Rowing Championships Men’s Quad Scull – Gold

2012National Championship Men’s Quad Scull – First

2012 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First

2012 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Quad Scull – Fifth

2012 London Olympic Games Men’s Quad Scull – Third

2013 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First

Jack Hargreaves
November 2024