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A suite of Australian rowers excelled at the 2026 IRA National Championship Regatta, helping their university programs achieve incredible results across a final day of outstanding racing and closely contested finals.
Held from 29th – 31st May on Lake Natoma in Gold River, California, the event delivered ideal conditions for competitors. Across the Varsity, Second Varsity and Third Varsity Eight events, Australian athletes featured prominently in many of the nation's fastest crews, contributing to medal-winning performances and highlighting the depth of Australian talent across the IRA system.
VARSITY EIGHT (1V8)
Six Australian representatives featured across four crews in the premier Varsity Eight final:
James Frederikson (Dartmouth College) - St Joseph’s College– Sydney Rowing Club
Ben Scott (Harvard University) – Scotch College - Fremantle Rowing Club
Jack Hansen-Knarhoi (Harvard University) – Trinity College - Fremantle Rowing Club
Dan Cashman (Princeton University) – Brisbane Boys College - University of Queensland Boat Club
Matt Cashman (Princeton University) – Brisbane Boys College - University of Queensland Boat Club
The premier event of the regatta was billed as one of the closest Varsity Eight finals in recent memory, with just one second separating the top four seeds heading into the final.
The race lived up to expectations and proved to be one of the highlights of the entire championship. Princeton established an early lead before California appeared to time their move perfectly, surging past Washington with approximately 350 metres remaining. Washington responded brilliantly in the closing stages, reclaiming the lead in the final 150 metres to secure the IRA National Championship just ahead of California and Princeton.
Incredible results for Alex Baroni securing a silver medal with California and the Cashman twins Dan and Matt book ending the Princeton crew to a bronze medal.
SECOND VARSITY EIGHT (2V8)
The Second Varsity Eight final featured three Australian athletes:
The race continued the strong Australian presence throughout the regatta, with athletes represented across three of the nation's leading programs. Princeton secured gold in another quality race with Ed Nutt aboard, adding a gold medal to the tally of great results achieved by Australian athletes.
THIRD VARSITY EIGHT (3V8)
The Third Varsity Eight final provided one of the strongest showcases of emerging Australian talent in American collegiate rowing with no less than nine athletes lining up in the final:
The Australian trio of Gallie, McCauley and Pirenc produced an inspired performance to earn Princeton a bronze medal finish, with the race highlighting the depth of Australian talent currently progressing through the US collegiate system.
A STRONG AUSTRALIAN CONTINGENCY
Australia was well represented at the IRA National Championship Regatta with twenty-six athletes competing across nine college programs. The spread of talent within this premier event is a testament to the strength of Australia’s school and club rowing pathways for athletes.
Across the championship finals, Australians featured in medal-contending crews in every major men's eight event, underlining the growing presence of Australian athletes within the US collegiate rowing system and their ability to perform on one of collegiate rowing’s biggest stages.
PHOTO - Princeton crew with Matt Cashman in Stroke seat and Daniel Cashman in Bow seat