The 2026 Australian Rowing Championships (ARC26) today marked a historic milestone with the presentation of the inaugural Gina Rinehart AO Trophy, recognising a decade of extraordinary support from Rowing Australia’s Patron and Hancock Prospecting Executive Chairman, Mrs Gina Rinehart AO.
Awarded for the first time to the Open Women’s Coxless Four champions, the Gina Rinehart AO Trophy stands as a lasting symbol of appreciation for a partnership that has played a transformative role in the success and sustainability of Australian rowing for more than a decade.
The introduction of the trophy reflects the profound impact of Hancock Prospecting’s support over the past ten years - enabling Australian athletes to pursue excellence on the world stage and strengthening the foundations of the sport from grassroots through to high performance.
Hancock Prospecting Executive Chairman and Rowing Australia Patron, Mrs Gina Rinehart AO, said:
“The same attributes that make the best rowers also make for great Australians: hard working, and proudly Australian.
“It was these same qualities that first drew me to rowing, which for more than a decade, I have stood behind as the sport’s Patron and major supporter.
“Behind every race is years of sacrifice - early mornings, long physically draining sessions, and a team of people working together towards a shared goal, representing our nation to the very best of their ability, so I’m proud to have supported hundreds of athletes to ensure they have the capacity to train and compete day-in, day-out in their continued pursuit of excellence.
“I hope this new trophy inspires generations of Australian rowers, both current and future, to continue to give their all, especially as we count down to Brisbane 2032.
“I feel particularly honoured to have a trophy named after me in the Women’s Coxless Four category, which produced one of Australia’s greatest Olympic moments in Tokyo 2020 when Lucy Stephan, Rosemary Popa, Jessica Morrison, and Annabelle McIntyre set a new Olympic record to win gold ahead of the renowned Dutch crew.”
Presented at Lake Barrington International Rowing Course, the trophy was awarded to the Swan River Composite-HPNTC crew of Rebecca Pretorius (SRRC / HPNTC), Bronwyn Cox OLY (UWABC / HPNTC, Giorgia Patten OLY (WARC / HPNTC) and Jacqui Swick OLY SRRC / HPNTC), following a fiercely contested final that showcased the depth, strength, and quality of women’s rowing in Australia.
Swick speaking on behalf of the winning crew, said:
"This is the first year of the trophy, and we owe a lot to Mrs Rinehart. She's been so good to all of us on the Australian Rowing Team and we would not be here without her."
"It's an honour."
The Gina Rinehart AO Trophy will become a permanent fixture of the Australian Rowing Championships, awarded annually to the Open Women’s Coxless Four champions, further embedding the legacy of a partnership that continues to shape the future of Australian rowing on the green and gold runway to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Rowing Australia Chief Executive Officer Sarah Cook OLY said the presentation of the trophy was a fitting tribute to a decade of enthusiastic support as Patron.
“The introduction of the Gina Rinehart AO Trophy is a proud and significant moment for Australian rowing, and is one of the highest honours in our sport, which is reserved for those who have had a profound and extraordinary impact on rowing in Australia,” said Cook.
“For more than ten years, Mrs Rinehart and Hancock Prospecting have provided extraordinary support to our sport, enabling our athletes to compete, succeed, and represent Australia with pride on the world stage.”
“This trophy not only recognises that contribution but also ensures that Mrs Rinehart’s legacy will continue to be celebrated at our premier domestic event for generations to come, inspiring our next generation of champions.”
“The Open Women’s Coxless Four has long been one of the most competitive and prestigious events at the Championships, and it is fitting that this trophy is awarded to a crew that embodies excellence, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of performance.”
ARC26 continues at Lake Barrington, Tasmania, as more than 2,100 athletes compete across a record-breaking week of racing, culminating in the Interstate Regatta and the iconic King's and Queen’s Cup races.
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