#ARC25 Day Four Wrap - Blackman sets the tone in Men’s Single as finals loom

By Nick Jones at the Lake Barrington International Rowing Course

Nick Blackman is quietly building momentum at the 2025 Australian Rowing Championships and now has the fastest time in the Open Men’s Single Scull semi-finals to show for it.

The Adelaide University Boat Club sculler crossed the line in 8:06.11 on Wednesday morning, with strong headwind conditions making for a tactical and grinding race.

Still, Blackman found speed late in the piece, surging from third at the halfway mark to take the win over a stacked field, including #ARC24 Silver Medallist in this event, Marcus Della Marta (Sydney University Boat Club / RBNTC).

“Yeah, pretty happy to get away with the win there,” Blackman said after the race.

“It was obviously a pretty competitive field, but I don’t mind headwind conditions, so it was all about setting it up off the back and getting the blades in. We’re used to these conditions out on West Lakes [Adelaide], so I was pretty happy.”

There were no secrets to his strategy in the tricky conditions: “Approach wasn’t different. I think it was just all about getting out there fast through the 1km.”

Blackman got the job done early and held off his Doubles partner, Dominic Frederico (Mercantile Rowing Club), by nearly three seconds, though he was quick to acknowledge the friendly rivalry between the two.

“Yeah, it was good to get the jump on Dom,” he said. “I had a pretty good start but yeah it was great to see him come through after.”

Wednesday’s win adds to Blackman’s growing list of impressive performances this week.

He and Frederico also clocked the fastest time in the Men’s Open Double Scull heats on Tuesday afternoon, setting up another big opportunity later in the week.

“The Double for Dom and I is a bit of fun,” he said. “Hoping to put down some quick times and come away with the win.”

The Interstate regatta this Sunday looms large.

With reigning champion Alex Hill OAM (Adelaide Rowing Club / RBNTC) out of the Single due to illness, speculation is swirling that Blackman may take his place for South Australia (SA) in the President's Cup.

“Look, I’ll keep my cards pretty close to my chest,” he said with a grin. “But I am looking forward to Sunday. It should be a really good set of races.”

It’s been a quiet but focused few months for Blackman since his Silver Medal performance at the 2024 World Rowing Under 23 Championships in St. Catharine’s, Canada.

“Just back into training. Back into the gym after Worlds last year,” Blackman said.

“Dom [Frederico] has moved over to South Australia so that’s good. But the environment there is great with Oscar [McGuinness] and Mitch [Reinhard] all in the same place.”

The ultimate goal? A Senior Team berth and a shot at international competition again in 2025.

“Yeah, hoping to make the Senior Team, that’s the goal after #ARC25,” Blackman said.

“Be good for Dom and I to represent the Double again. When you have a good doubles partner it always makes it easy.”

While last year’s U23 Single Scull title is behind him, Blackman remains humble about his chances this time around.

“It would be amazing [to win the open event], but the field is hugely competitive so anything can happen.”

And when it comes to the Interstate regatta on Sunday afternoon, the South Australian native is keeping a close eye on his rivals.

“I think the Victorians have a really strong crew this year,” Blackman said. “But same goes for New South Wales.”

The Men’s Open Single Final is shaping up to be one of the most-anticipated races of the regatta. With Blackman clearly in form, all eyes will be on the Adelaide University lane come Thursday.

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