Ria Thompson

QLD | University of Queensland Boat Club

Ria Thompson, originating from Point Lonsdale, VIC, competes as a heavyweight sculler. A scholar as well as an athlete, Ria is pursuing a Doctor of Medicine and Master of Philosophy at the University of Queensland.

Ria began her rowing career at age 14, coached initially by Zoe Ryan and David Ochert. Her early start in the sport has led to notable achievements, including winning the gold medal in the heavyweight single scull at the 2019 U23 World Championships and a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in the Quad Scull. 

Outside of rowing, Ria's interests include skiing, which complements her rigorous training regime. 

Ria's race day routine: she switches her phone to aeroplane mode, dons her headphones and sunglasses, and zones into her pre-race preparation. 

At the final Olympic qualification regatta in 2021, Ria, alongside crewmates Harriet Hudson, Caitlin Cronin, and Rowena Meredith secured gold in the women’s quadruple scull, earning an Olympic berth for Tokyo 2020.

Training out of Rowing Australia’s National Training Centre, Ria's preparation culminated in a memorable Olympic debut. The crew, composed of fellow debutants Rowena, Harriet and Caitlin won a bronze medal in emphatic fashion.

They earned their place in the final via the repechage after finishing fourth in their heat. Competing against the USA, Italy, Great Britain, and New Zealand, the crew needed a top-two finish to progress to the A-Final. They finished first, booking their place in the Olympic final.

In March 2023, Ria was again selected with Harriet, Caitlin and Rowena as Australia's quad sculls crew for the 2023 international season. Competing at the Rowing World Cup II in Varese, Italy, they competed in the B final and finished eighth place overall.

Ria currently sits in the bow seat of the Women's Quad Scull.