Ian Allen

Ian Allen rowed coxed fours at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, just missing a medal as his boat finished fourth. After the Games, that crew defeated the Canadian coxless four gold medal-winning crew at the Festival of Tasmania International Regatta, winning by four lengths.

Allen started his rowing career at Wesley College in 1954, later joining Albert Park Rowing Club. He later raced with Yarra Yarra Rowing Club and Banks Rowing Club before leaving elite competition, only to return to masters’ events in 1993. He rowed actively until 2005, winning 16 gold medals at World Masters regattas, and in his final year of competition won titles in the coxed F4, G4, and G8 at the Australian Masters Championships.