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Robert (Bob) Russell

A legend of South Australian rowing

Torrens Rowing Club (SA), Goolwa Rowing Club (SA)

Bob Russell is a legendary figure in South Australian rowing, widely recognized for his ten years as a crew member in the South Australian Kings Cup crews and for dedicating 18 years to coaching the state's crews at the prestigious Kings Cup Regatta. 

His contributions to rowing as an athlete and a coach have left an indelible mark on the sport in South Australia. As a coach, Bob was instrumental in leading South Australian crews to success at numerous interstate events, including the Penrith Cup (lightweight four), the Kings Cup (men's eight), the Noel Wilkinson Cup (men's youth eight), and the ULVA (women's four). His leadership was pivotal in South Australian rowing’s consistent success. In 1970, Bob’s coaching prowess shone through when he guided the South Australian Lightweight Four to their first-ever victory in the Penrith Cup. Bob fondly recalls the celebration of that momentous win: "When I saw that finish, I couldn’t help myself. I passed my camera to someone nearby and walked fully clothed into Lake Wendouree to congratulate the crew. Later, at the medal presentation, the Victorian Governor remarked, ‘King Neptune has risen from the depths.’"  

1970 Penrith Cup crew with Bob in the left hand side inset

Another significant coaching achievement came in 1983 when Bob led the South Australian Youth Eight to their first-ever win in the Wilkinson Cup.  

After 1983 Wilkinson Cup win

Bob was also known for his innovative coaching methods. His Penrith Cup crews would train each weekend on the River Murray, staying at his river cottage in Nildottie. The extensive kilometers rowed during these intensive training sessions were a key factor in the early success of Bob’s lightweight crews.  Beyond his success with South Australian crews, Bob was also highly regarded for his work as an underage coach at Pembroke School, where he shaped the careers of many future rowing stars.

Key Highlights

Life Member, Torrens Rowing Club (1976) - Captain, Torrens Rowing Club (1965 & 1967) - Only crew member to row in all seven consecutive Torrens Rowing Club SA Championship Eights victories. - Brother: Ian Russell, stroked the SA Kings Cup crew in 1964 with Bob in the seven-seat. - Nephew: Ian’s son was in the second-winning SA Penrith Cup crew in 1991 and was an Australian representative rower.

Complete Rowing and Coaching Record

As an Oarsman

• 1959 – Emergency, SA Kings Cup Crew
• 1960 – Stroke, SA Kings Cup Crew
• 1961 – Stroke, SA Kings Cup Crew
• 1962 – Stroke, SA Kings Cup Crew
• 1963 – Bow, SA Kings Cup Crew
• 1964 – Seven, SA Kings Cup Crew
• 1965 – Bow, SA Kings Cup Crew
• 1966 – Emergency, SA Kings Cup Crew (3rd place)
• 1967 – Two, SA Kings Cup Crew (3rd place)
• 1968 – Bow, SA Kings Cup Crew
• 1969 – Bow, SA Kings Cup Crew (3rd place)

As a Coach

• 1970 – SA Penrith Cup Crew – First
• 1971 – SA Penrith Cup Crew – Second
• 1972 – SA Penrith Cup Crew – Third
• 1973 – SA Penrith Cup Crew – Second
• 1974 – SA Penrith Cup Crew – Second
• 1974 – Torrens RC Lightweight Pair, National Rowing Championships – First
• 1975 – SA Penrith Cup Crew – Third
• 1976 – SA Kings Cup Crew – Third
• 1977 – SA Kings Cup Crew – Second
• 1978 – SA Penrith Cup Crew
• 1979 – SA Penrith Cup Crew
• 1980 – SA ULVA Women’s Four – Second
• 1981 – SA Penrith Cup Crew
• 1983 – SA Wilkinson Cup Crew – First
• 1984 – SA Wilkinson Cup Crew
• 1985 – SA Wilkinson Cup Crew
• 1987 – Co-Coach, SA Wilkinson Cup Crew
• 1988 – Co-Coach, SA Kings Cup Crew – Second

Reflections from Those Who Knew Him

Bob's legacy as a coach is reflected in his many former athletes. My own recollection [author Colin Smith] of my elite rowing journey started in 1970 when Bob picked me as a ‘greenhorn’ for the Penrith Cup crew. I was very much the youngest in the crew, but with Bob’s guidance and countless hours on the River Murray, we developed real boat speed. That contributed to South Australia’s surprise victory in the 1970 Penrith Cup at Ballarat. Bob’s coaching was the driving force behind our speed. Having also rowed under Bob’s coaching in 1971 (where we finished second) and 1972–1973 (second again), I will always be grateful for Bob’s coaching, which was central to my future success. Bob’s wife, Kathy, shared her perspective: "Rowing was Bob’s passion, but it was also a way of life for us. The early mornings, long days at regattas, and many weekends on the River Murray were all part of our shared journey. I was proud to see how much joy coaching and rowing brought him, and I cherished being part of that community alongside him."

Final Thoughts

Bob Russell’s impact on South Australian rowing—both on and off the water—cannot be overstated. His career, built on excellence, dedication, and innovation, has shaped the future of the sport. His legacy is a testament to his skill as a coach and oarsman and his deep commitment to the growth and success of rowing in South Australia.

Colin Smith
August 2025

Editor's note: We are fortunate to have such an important contributor as Colin Smith who is a past Director and President of Rowing Australia (1999–2014) and a skilled lightweight rower. Colin won five Penrith Cups—first representing South Australia, then Victoria—and represented Australia at the World Rowing Championships, earning multiple medals. His work for this site provides a depth of personal knowledge and detail which only a person of his background and experience can offer.