Brian Richardson

In a career that spanned almost four decades Australian rower Brian Richardson enjoyed success as both a competitor and as a coach. Richardson competed in the eight, representing South Australia and Victoria at state level. From 1966 to 1980 he finished on the podium on a dozen occasions at the National Interstate Regatta, including winning gold in 1979 and 1980. He made his international début for Australia at the 1975 World Rowing Championships in England where the team finished sixth. This was followed by two appearances at the Olympics; 1976 Montréal and 1980 Moskva, with the Australian eight crew finishing fifth at both Games.

After his retirement from competitive rowing Richardson began a lengthy and successful career in coaching. From 1985 to 1993 he coached Victoria at the Interstate Regatta, winning five-consecutive championships with the eight crew from 1985 to 1989, before winning his sixth title in 1993. Richardson was then appointed as the head coach of the Canadian national rowing team the same year. This saw him lead Team Canada to six medals at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, including gold in the women’s double sculls. Richardson then coached the Australian team from 1997 to 2000, before once again coaching the Canadian team from 2001 to 2004, with him returning for one final stint with Australia from 2005 to 2008.

Outside of rowing Richardson also took part in sailing and was one of the crew aboard the Australia II racing yacht that won the America’s Cup in 1983. The victory was the first successful Cup challenger, ending a 132-year winning streak by the New York Yacht Club. For his participation he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia as part of the 1984 Australia Day Honours. In 2000 Richardson was also awarded with the Australian Sports Medal.