Rowing Australia appoints new Head Coach of para program, aiming for LA 2028 and beyond

Rowing Australia has continued to build on its Paralympic success with the appointment of James Loveday as Head Coach of the para-rowing program.

Loveday has already made a strong contribution through his role as Para Lead Coach and now graduates to the top job, where he will have the opportunity to work closely with the talented crop of current Rowsellas and pathway athletes.

Australia turned in an historic performance at the Paralympic Games in Paris, with the PR3 Mixed Double Sculls of Nikki Ayers and Jed Altschwager powering to their nation’s first ever para-rowing gold medal.

Rowing Australia Chief Executive Sarah Cook OLY said Loveday was the ideal mentor to build on that momentum and set the platform for LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032. 

“Following our best ever Paralympic performance in Paris - and thanks to outgoing Para Head Coach Chad King - we are well positioned to build on that success towards LA28 and beyond,” Cook said.

“We're delighted to see James step up to spearhead the program following his recent stint as the Para Lead Coach.

"James brings a wealth of experience from his time coaching in Britain and then Australia. He is strategic, athlete-focused and ambitious for our program."

Prior to joining Rowing Australia at the end of 2022, Loveday was the Performance Pathway Coach for British Rowing’s Paralympic Program

Rowing Australia Performance Director Paul Thompson MBE praised Loveday’s experience across multiple world-class programs and said the para rowing program was in capable hands.

"James is a skillful, creative and athlete centred leader and brings a wealth of experience at all levels of Paralympic Rowing, both in the United Kingdom and Australia,” Thompson said.

“He picks up the para squad as it rebuilds and shapes its LA 2028 campaign on the back of Australia's most successful Paralympic Regatta in Paris."

Loveday says he is ready to continue the momentum of para-rowing success within Australia and on the international stage.

"I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Head Coach for the para rowing program at Rowing Australia,” Loveday said.

“It’s a privilege to work with such a talented group of athletes and staff, and I’m excited to build on the incredible legacy created in Paris.

“Together, we will strive to achieve even greater heights as we look towards LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032.”