Spencer Turrin OAM
Sydney Rowing Club (NSW)
Spencer Turrin’s journey in rowing is a tribute to determination and passion, beginning at St Joseph’s College, where he dedicated three years to the First Eight, graduating in 2009. In 2011, his talent shone as he was selected for the NSW Youth Eight, clinching a hard-fought second at the Interstate Regatta. He soon earned his place in the Australian U23 Men’s Eight, where he not only represented his country but also tasted the thrill of international competition, finishing seventh in his first U23 World Championships. In his second U23 appearance, Spencer and his crew seized bronze in the A Final, igniting the fire of success within him.
The 2013 season marked a pivotal leap for Spencer, as he transitioned to senior A-level competition while still eligible for U23 events. He showcased his prowess with a bronze and a silver in the men’s senior pair and a commendable fourth at the National Championships. It was here that he achieved his first King’s Cup victory for NSW, a proud moment that affirmed his place among the elite. The season continued to dazzle, as he secured a seat in the men’s four, earning a silver at World Cup One, a glorious gold at World Cup Two, and another silver at World Cup Three. At the World Championships, his crew fought valiantly, leading until the final 250 meters, ultimately taking home the silver medal—a bittersweet taste of near victory.
Celebrating his 2013 King's Cup win - Spencer kneeling
In 2014, Spencer's brilliance shone through once more as he won his second King’s Cup and secured silver in the men’s pair. He dominated internationally in the four, claiming two golds at World Cup One and another silver at World Cup Two, despite battling injury. The year culminated with a bronze at the World Championships, a testament to his resilience and skill.
2014 World Championships - Spencer second from right
Photo from Rowing Australia
The 2015 Nationals were nothing short of spectacular for Spencer, where he triumphed with three golds in the men’s coxless pair and four, alongside one in the coxed four, though he settled for silver in the King’s Cup. Selected for the men’s four, he overcame the odds to clinch gold at World Cup Three, emerging from lane one after a fierce semi-final. The crew later secured silver at the World Championships, a step closer to their ultimate goals.
In 2016, Spencer added yet another national title in the men’s four while also earning a bronze and silver in the men’s pair and the King’s Cup. His selection for the men’s pair at the Rio Olympics was a culmination of years of hard work, though the crew faced challenges, finishing sixth in the A Final after a solid semi-final performance.
Returning to the staging after missing a podium place at 2016 Olympic Games - Spencer in bow seat
Photo - Andrew Guerin
However, disappointment quickly turned into triumph in the following years. Spencer dominated the Nationals once again, clinching the men’s single title and his third King’s Cup victory for NSW. On the international stage, he showcased his prowess in the men’s four, winning World Cup Two against Great Britain, and narrowly missing victory against Germany by just 0.4 seconds at World Cup Three. The year was capped off spectacularly when his crew won the World Championships, marking their first victory since 1991—a monumental achievement.
Spencer’s success continued in 2018 with another King’s Cup victory, alongside commanding wins at World Cup Two and Three. He also etched his name in history with a record-setting triumph at Henley in the Grand Challenge Cup. The men’s four went on to back-to-back World Championship victories, earning them the prestigious title of World Rowing Men’s Crew of the Year.
In 2019, Spencer secured yet another King’s Cup for NSW and showcased his versatility by competing in the men’s eight, finishing fifth at the second World Cup. He then partnered with Alex Hill in the pair, striking gold at World Cup Three. The World Championships saw him contribute to the eight, finishing fourth and qualifying the boat for future competitions.
Fast forward to 2021, Spencer added another title to his collection in the men’s four. At the Tokyo Olympics, his crew emerged as Olympic champions, holding off the competition in a thrilling final 500 meters, marking Australia’s first gold in the men’s four since 1996—a dream realized.
2020 Olympic Champions - Spencer second from left
Photo from World Rowing
In 2022, he continued to shine, securing another national title and another King’s Cup victory. His international season was equally impressive, with triumphs at World Cup Two in Poland and the Stewards Challenge Cup at Henley, where they outpaced the British crew. He ended the year with silver at World Cup Three and the World Championships, solidifying his legacy.
Spencer joined an elite group of NSW athletes in 2023, winning his seventh King’s Cup in a thrilling battle against Victoria. Though the international season brought challenges, he won two silvers at World Cup Two and Three, ultimately qualifying the boat for the Paris Olympics.
Spencer's seventh King's Cup win - centre in bucket hat
Image from the Guerin collection
As 2024 unfolded, Spencer secured another national title in the men’s open eight and earned a silver in the King’s Cup, falling just short of becoming the first NSW athlete to claim eight King’s Cups. Selected for the men’s eight at the Paris Olympics, he ended the season with a spectacular gold medal victory at the final World Cup in Poland, gearing up for the grand stage at the Olympics, where he and his crew showcased their undeniable talent and determination.
Some key rowing races
2011 National Championship Interstate Youth Eight – Second
2011 World Rowing Under 23 Championships Men’s Eight – Seventh
2012 World Rowing Under 23 Championships Men’s Eight – Third
2013 National Championship Men’s Pair – Third
2013 National Championship Men’s Four – Second
2013 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First
2013 World Rowing Cup I Men’s Four – Second
2013 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Four – First
2013 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Four – Second
2013 World Championship Men’s Four – Second
2014 National Championship Men’s Pair – Second
2014 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First
2014 World Rowing Cup I Men’s Four – First
2014 World Rowing Cup I Men’s Eight – First
2014 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Four – Second
2014 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Four – Seventh
2014 World Championship Men’s Four – Third
2015 National Championship Men’s Pair – First
2015 National Championship Men’s Four – First
2015 National Championship Men’s Coxed Four – First
2015 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – Second
2015 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Four – Fourth
2015 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Four – First
2015 World Championship Men’s Four – Second
2016 National Championship Men’s Pair – Third
2016 National Championship Men’s Four – First
2016 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Pair – Fifth
2016 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Pair – Second
2016 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Pair – Sixth
2017 National Championship Men’s Single – First
2017 National Championship Men’s Four – Second
2017 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First
2017 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Four – First
2017 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Eight – First
2017 World Championship Men’s Four – First
2018 National Championship Men’s Four – Second
2018 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First
2018 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Four – First
2018 Royal Henley Regatta the Grand Challenge Cup – First
2018 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Four – First
2018 World Championship Men’s Four – First
2019 National Championship Men’s Pair – Second
2019 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First
2019 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Eight – Fifth
2019 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Pair – First
2019 World Championship Men’s Eight – Fourth
2021 National Championship Men’s Four – First
2021 National Championship Men’s Open Eight – First
2021 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – Second
2021 Tokyo Olympic Games Men’s Four – First
2022 National Championship Men’s Four – First
2022 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First
2022 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Four – First
2022 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Four – Second
2022 World Championship Men’s Four – Second
2023 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First
2023 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Four – Second
2023 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Four – Second
2023 World Championship Men’s Four – Fifth
2024 National Championship Men’s Four – Second
2024 National Championship Men’s Eight – First
2024 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – Second
2024 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Eight – Fourth
2024 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Eight – First
2024 Paris Olympic Games Men’s Eight – Sixth
Jack Hargreaves
October 2024
Sources:
- Author's own records and recollections
- World Rowing website
- This website