Nick Mitchell joins Rowing Australia as Men’s Coach following SASI success

Nick Mitchell, the driving force behind South Australia’s recent domestic rowing success, has joined Rowing Australia (RA) as the new Men’s Senior Coach.

Mitchell will join the Men’s National Training Centre coaching staff under Head Coach Chris O’Brien from May 19, bringing with him a wealth of experience from across the Australian high-performance rowing landscape.

He arrives at the Reinhold Batschi National Training Centre (RBNTC) following a highly successful tenure as Rowing Head Coach at the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI), where he has played a pivotal role in developing some of the nation’s top rowing talent.

At the 2025 Australian Rowing Championships, his athletes claimed Gold in the Open Men’s Single Scull, Open Men’s Double Scull, Under 23 Men’s Single Scull, and the President’s Cup (Men’s Interstate Single Scull).

Rowing Australia’s Performance Director, Paul Thompson MBE, praised Mitchell’s impact at the state level.

“Nick has done an outstanding job leading the SASI group, particularly the open men’s sculling squad,” Thompson said.

“His work has directly contributed to several athletes now earning the opportunity to represent Australia in Europe this season, and we’re excited to have him step into this national role.”

With over a decade of coaching experience, Mitchell has previously led high-performance programs at Mercantile Rowing Club, Banks Rowing Club and Xavier College, combining technical leadership with strength and conditioning expertise.

He is widely respected for his ability to foster both individual excellence and team culture.

Keren Faulkner, Director of the South Australian Sports Institute thanked Nick for his significant contribution to rowing in SA. 

“Nick has been a highly respected and valued team member at SASI, " Faulkner said.   

"He has driven excellent athlete performances while supporting team culture, belonging and connection.  He will be a great asset to the Australian Rowing Team and we will follow his career with pride.”

A former international cyclist with racing experience across Europe and Asia, Mitchell brings a unique high-performance lens to his coaching philosophy, shaped by his years of experience as both an elite athlete and coach.

Nick will relocate to Canberra and begin working with athletes at the RBNTC from next week.