Rowing Australia has appointed Olympic Gold medallist Spencer Turrin OAM as its Beach Sprint Coach, strengthening the nation’s high-performance pathway in one of the sport’s most exciting disciplines.
Turrin joins the program following a decorated international career that includes Olympic Gold in the Men’s Four at Tokyo 2020, two World Rowing Championship titles, and more than a decade representing Australia at the highest level.
A three-time Olympian, Turrin brings proven racing intelligence, technical precision and a deep understanding of what it takes to win on the world stage.
He has also competed at the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals across the past two seasons, giving him recent, firsthand experience in the demands of the coastal format.
The appointment coincides with an expanded leadership structure, with James Loveday stepping into the role of Head of Para Rowing and Beach Sprint.
Rowing Australia Performance Director Paul Thompson MBE welcomed the dual appointments and highlighted their importance to Australia’s future.
“Spencer understands high performance at the highest level,” Thompson said. “He has lived the daily standards required to win Olympic and World Championship Gold, and he brings immediate credibility to our Beach Sprint program.
“Beach Sprints are evolving rapidly on the international stage, and we are investing in the people who will keep Australia competitive. Spencer’s combined flat-water and beach technical knowledge make him an outstanding addition to our coaching team.
“James has already built a strong foundation across the Paralympic program. Expanding his leadership into the Beach Sprint discipline creates clear alignment across the system and ensures we continue to drive performance with purpose.”
Loveday said Turrin’s transition from athlete to coach would accelerate the program’s growth as Australia prepares for future international campaigns.
“Spencer is exceptionally competitive, and he understands exactly what athletes need to perform under pressure,” Loveday said.
“His experience inside championship crews will lift our daily training environment and sharpen our race execution.”
“Beach Sprints demand adaptability, power, and tactical awareness. Spencer brings all three, and I’m excited to work alongside him as we push this program forward.”
Raised in Maitland, New South Wales, Turrin began rowing at St Joseph’s College before forging his senior career with Sydney Rowing Club.
He debuted for Australia at Under 23 level before becoming a mainstay of the senior sweep squad, earning consecutive world titles in 2017 and 2018 and ultimately Olympic Gold in Tokyo.
His appointment signals Rowing Australia’s continued commitment to investing in world-class coaching expertise as Beach Sprints gain momentum globally and edge closer to the LA28 Olympic spotlight.