Jackson Free

QLD | Surfers Paradise Rowing Club

Jackson “Jacko” Free is the latest name to emerge from one of Australia’s most iconic rowing families, but he’s determined to carve out his own legacy in green and gold. A sculler from the Gold Coast, Queensland, Jackson is making his senior Australian Rowing Team debut in 2025 as part of the Men’s Quad Sculls, following years of persistence, patience, and state-level dominance.

A six-time Queensland champion in the Men’s Single Scull and multiple national medallist in the double and quad, Jackson has long been a standout on the domestic circuit. But until now, senior selection had eluded him. That all changed in 2025 when he was named to represent Australia at the World Rowing Cups in Varese and Lucerne, joining a crew aiming to make a serious impact on the international stage.

Jackson’s rowing roots run deep. His grandfather Reg Free represented Australia at the 1967 World Championships. His father Marcus and uncle Duncan raced together at World Championships and Henley, with Duncan going on to become an Olympic champion and four-time Olympian. But Jackson’s path hasn’t been straightforward. He didn’t make the junior or U23 national teams and admits there were moments when he questioned whether he’d ever wear the green and gold.

Coached exclusively by his father until 2025, Jackson now steps into the national program, marking a symbolic transition that mirrors the one his father and uncle made at a similar stage in their own careers. Though his family legacy is significant, Jackson has always been encouraged to “carve his own path”, advice passed down by his late grandfather, Reg.

His rise is not only a story of talent but of grit and loyalty to the process. Jackson’s technical strengths, long-levered stroke, and boat feel have earned praise from coaches and peers alike.

Outside of rowing, Jackson holds a degree in architecture and has worked as a graduate architect, though that career is on pause as he relocates to Canberra to train full-time with the national squad. When not rowing, you’ll find him surfing, riding his motorbike, or shooting hoops, his most memorable sporting moment, he says with a laugh, is “dunking in a high school basketball game... and maybe winning my first rowing race.”

Known affectionately as “Big Dog” by his teammates, Jackson brings energy, humility, and a sense of fun to everything he does. His goals for 2025 are simple: row well, improve, and have fun. He lives by the mantra: “Success favours the prepared.” 

Jackson is currently a member of the  Australian Men's Quad Sculls. 

Last updated May 9, 2025.