Stuart Carter

Stuart Carter was an Australian rowing coxswain and a 10-time national champion. In 1975 Carter coxed the eight crew at Newington College in Sydney, in addition to representing New South Wales in the youth eight at the Interstate Regatta. The following year, whilst still only 17-years-old, he joined the Sydney Rowing Club. There he won three state titles and two national titles, and helped New South Wales to win the King’s Cup. That same year he was also selected to cox the eight crew at the Montréal Olympics, becoming the nation’s youngest coxswain for the eight to go to the Games.

The Australia eight team had a strong start at the Olympics, winning their heat in a record time. During the heat, however, rower Malcolm Shaw suffered an injury, with Peter Shakespear replacing him in the final. Carter and the Australian team then finished fifth, six seconds outside of the medal places. Two years later Carter coxed the Australian eight at the World Rowing Championships in New Zealand, where they just missed out on a medal, finishing fourth.

From 1976 to 1979 Carter also coxed domestic crews in the pairs and fours, helping Sydney Rowing Club to win national titles and secure victories with New South Wales at the King’s Cup in 1976, 1977, and 1978. Away from rowing Carter worked in the fishing industry with Northern Prawn Fishery.