High-performance rowing requires extraordinary commitment. Athletes at Rowing Australia’s National Training Centres dedicate more than 45 hours each week to the physical, technical and recovery demands of elite performance.
In a progressive step, Rowing Australia has created part-time opportunities for National Training Centre athletes to work within the organisation itself, recognising the value that high performing athletes bring to the workplace, and supporting athletes to grow beyond sport - enhancing long-term career readiness, and strengthening performance in and out of the boat.
Rowing Australia CEO, Sarah Cook, said “Providing opportunities for our athletes to work within the business is incredibly valuable for both the individuals and Rowing Australia as an organisation. Rowing Australia athletes go through the same thorough recruitment process as external candidates, including applications and interviews, which provides important professional development and real-world experience alongside their sporting careers.
What they contribute to the organisation professionally is significant. We are fortunate to have an exceptionally talented group of athletes who bring unique perspectives, strong work ethic and high performance mindsets into the workplace. This is an important part of our commitment to Win Well, and supporting our athletes to develop not just as rowers, but as people and professionals beyond sport.”
As she prepares to race at World Cup, Hancock Prospecting National Training Centre athlete, Emmie Frederico is also gaining a new perspective on the sport she represents internationally through her role within Rowing Australia’s Commercial team.
A graduate of Syracuse University with degrees in Communications and Advanced Media, Emmie was eager to continue developing her skills alongside sport.
“I really enjoyed what I studied, and if I don’t put those skills into practice, they won’t stay sharp,” she said. “Technology changes every day, so gaining real-world experience alongside rowing is really important.”
Working within the organisation has also changed her perspective on what it takes to support elite performance.
“Being inside the organisation has given me a real appreciation for the people and partners who make it all work,” she said. “We wouldn’t be a functioning organisation without our partners.”
"I am especially grateful to our Patron Mrs Rinehart, and Hancock Prospecting for enabling us to train at this amazing centre – it makes it possible for us to balance work while training to the highest level every day"
The role has also reinforced the importance of communication, adaptability and relationships - skills she believes transfer directly from sport into the workplace.
“From rowing, I’ve learned to meet people where they’re at. It’s kind of like stepping into a new training boat each morning - you give a little bit of yourself and meet each other halfway.”
For Reinhold Batschi National Training Centre athlete, Marcus Della Marta working within Rowing Australia’s Sport Development team has provided both balance and a broader understanding of the sport beyond the high-performance environment.
A graduate of the University of New South Wales with a Bachelor of Media, Culture and Technology, his role spans coaching development and indoor rowing initiatives - from accreditation administration to filming content for the Row Nation app and delivering workshops.
“Working has always been a big part in helping to find balance,” Marcus said. “I think it is a key pillar to success if done right. Having something outside sport means your mind is not always in the high-performance bubble 24/7.”
Balancing elite sport and work is not without challenge.
“Some days there are more balls in the air with work and other days everything is rowing,” he said. “The key is understanding priorities and communicating with your coach and employer so both sides can adapt.”
“With the support we so gratefully receive from Hancock Prospecting and the Australian Sports Commission, we are proud to put in the hard work in training and off the water at work”
Like Emmie, Marcus believes the skills developed through elite sport transfer naturally into the workforce.
“Rowing is a crash course in resilience, teamwork and learning how to perform under pressure,” Marcus said. “Those skills are invaluable later in life.”
Most significantly, the role has broadened his understanding of the sport itself.
“This role has opened me up to seeing that rowing is different for everyone. It’s not just high performance - it’s community, connection and people coming together to try new things and have fun.”
Emmie and Marcus both credit the flexibility and understanding within Rowing Australia for making the dual commitment possible.
“They know making my boat go fast on the water is the priority,” Marcus said. “Open communication has been really important to make sure both myself and Rowing Australia get the best out of me behind the desk and behind the blades.”
Balancing dual careers at the elite level is not without challenge. But for both Emmie and Marcus the opportunity represents far more than work experience. It is a chance to build confidence and capabilities beyond sport, contribute valuable athlete perspectives within the organisation and develop skills that will support them long after their rowing careers finish.