THE 2026 Queensland Rowing Championships have officially launched the new season, with three days of high-level competition held from January 23 to 25 at the Queensland State Rowing Centre in Wyaralong.
The event brought together 471 athletes competing across 63 events, drawing crews from across Queensland and interstate for one of Rowing Queensland’s premier annual regattas.
Conditions were favourable across much of the weekend, with early starts allowing racing to remain on schedule despite warmer temperatures later in the program.
Rowing Queensland chief executive officer Anthea O’Loughlin said the championships provided an important platform for athletes ahead of the Australian Rowing Championships in March.
“It’s a great opportunity for athletes to really start focusing on preparing for that national championship in a very highly competitive environment,” she said.
The regatta also doubled as a key selection opportunity, with Queensland selectors in attendance assessing performances for upcoming representative teams.
“It’s actually a lead-in to the Australian Rowing Championships,” O’Loughlin said.
“It’s a great opportunity for athletes to really start focusing on preparing for that national championship in a very highly competitive environment.”
Competition featured a mix of school-aged rowers, open-grade athletes and high-performance competitors, including several returning from the National Training Centre in Canberra.
Athletes travelled from across the state, including Townsville and Rockhampton, with additional representation from interstate.
University of Queensland Boat Club emerged as the standout club across the championships, finishing with 35 medals, including 15 gold, while Toowong Rowing Club and KAND Rowing Club finished 2nd and 3rd, respectively.
Among the top individual performers was Isabelle Patterson (University of Queensland), who secured four gold medals across the three-day event.
O’Loughlin highlighted the strong community atmosphere surrounding the regatta, with elite athletes engaging with younger competitors throughout the weekend.
Australian Paralympian Erik Horrie was among those in attendance, offering encouragement to emerging para-rowers.
She also acknowledged the role of volunteers and officials in delivering the event.
“Our officials all volunteer their time and their knowledge, and they are absolutely critical to our sport,” she said.
The championships also served as a stepping stone toward upcoming pathway events, including under-19 and under-22 representative competitions scheduled later this year.
