Nik Pender

Nik Pender is a stroke-side sweep rower from Sydney, New South Wales, making his mark on the national and international rowing scene. A student of Actuarial Studies and Statistics at UNSW, Nik combines sharp analytical thinking with raw athletic power, proving himself as a fierce competitor in the U23 Men’s Coxless Four at the World Rowing Under Championships, where he claimed back-to-back Silver medals in 2023 and 2024.

Nik’s path to rowing began unexpectedly. After breaking his elbow during rugby season, he picked up an oar to rebuild strength, and never looked back. A natural athlete with a background in rugby, water polo, swimming, and athletics, he now channels that all-round sporting pedigree into his pursuit of rowing.

At the Australian Rowing Championships, Nik has consistently stood atop the podium, winning U23 titles in the Pair and Eight (2024), and the Eight again in 2023. His early coaching from Olympians Sean Murphy and Rowena Meredith set the tone for his rapid rise through the ranks.

When he’s not training, Nik enjoys surfing, swimming, and staying active outdoors. But his most memorable moment so far? Standing on the podium at Worlds, Silver around his neck, watching the flag rise, fueling the hunger for more.