"VAN" (Sports Desk - 16.06.2025) :: Australia has wrapped up the 2025 World Rowing Cup in Varese, Italy, with five medals, including standout Golds in the PR1 Men’s Single Sculls and Men’s Four, showcasing an encouraging start the new Olympic and Paralympic cycle.
Veteran Paralympian Erik Horrie OAM PLY delivered a dominant performance in the PR1 Men’s Single Sculls final, powering away from the field to secure his first World Cup win since 2022.
His victory set the tone for Australia’s campaign and underscored his enduring class on the international stage.
In the Men’s Four, Nikolas Pender, Fergus Hamilton OLY, Austin Reinehr and Alexander Hill OAM executed a measured and clinical race to take Gold, staying composed under pressure and surging ahead of both Dutch crews in the closing stages.
Silver medals were claimed in the PR3 Mixed Double Sculls and Women’s Four.
Lisa Greissl and Sam Stunell, racing together internationally for the first time, pushed Paralympic Bronze medallists Germany to the line in a tight contest, while Jaime Ford, Eliza Gaffney, Georgina Rowe OLY and Jacqueline Swick OLY surged past the Dutch to claim second place behind a strong USA1 in the Women’s Four final.
The Women’s Eight added a Bronze to the tally after battling through a highly competitive final, finishing just behind Great Britain and the United States in a hard-fought sprint to the line.
Rowing Australia Performance Director Paul Thompson MBE praised the team’s execution and composure, particularly the growing number of debutants on the podium.
“It’s not just about the results. What’s pleasing is how these crews are going about it. They’re showing good length and good rhythm,” Thompson said.
“Erik and the Men’s Four were outstanding. We’ve got some new rowers on the podium, which is great to see.
“The Men's Four were able to control the rate well. Crews controlled the races and squeezed on when they needed to.”
Some 17 athletes made their senior team debut in Varese, marking a generational shift in the squad.
The Australian Rowing Team will return to the start line in just under two weeks at the next stop of the World Rowing Cup series in Lucerne (June 27–29), where the team will look to build on the momentum from Italy.
“It’s about learning from race to race, and they come pretty quick,” Thompson said.
“They’ll be on the start line in 12 days. You have to be quick learners to be able to step up and build momentum through this tour.”
Australia finished fifth overall in the medal tally with two Gold, two Silver and one Bronze medal.
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