Madison Eastmond, Murray Pioneer

A world rowing champion has made his way to the Riverland this month, sharing training and experience with local clubs and aspiring athletes.

Italian lightweight world rowing champion Patrick Rocek arrived in Loxton earlier this month, with the athlete using his time in the region to train with the Renmark Rowing Club, share his experiences with aspiring rowers, and enjoy his own program on the Murray River.

“I was (previously) in Melbourne as a coach, but wanted to have a new experience,” Mr Rocek told The Murray Pioneer. “I just wanted to see something different — Renmark, the countryside, and all of the Riverland is so different. It’s been great.”

Mr Rocek said one of the highlights of his Riverland trip was spending time with the St Francis of Assisi College rowing team, at a social night held by Renmark Rowing Club.

“I was speaking with them, and I told them they have everything (in the Riverland) to make them champions,” he said. “They have good boats, and proper water (space) which they can put a lot of effort into. They just have to believe in it.”

Renmark Rowing Club president Tony Townsend said Mr Roceks — who has spent the past four years training for Olympics, a winner of the 2022 world championships, and most recently a 2024 world cup event — has been “an amazing person for local rowers to learn from.”

“It’s been great to be able to have someone like Patrick roll up and impart his knowledge and skill set on the younger generation, and our local rowers,” he said.

“It has given our young people an opportunity to aspire to be someone like Patrick. We don’t often get opportunities like this, so it’s just great to see what is possible to achieve, especially as we are on the right track with a great coach, equipment, and dedication in our rowers.”

“It takes time, but for us, we feel like we will definitely begin to see the rewards of our efforts over the next couple of years.”

Heading back home last week to compete in the Italian championships, Mr Rocek, with his Murray River training, is once again hoping to score gold.

“I just want to thank everyone at the Renmark Rowing Club, the Berri Rowing Club, and the family of (Riverland Olympian Rower) Alex Hill who I have been staying with,” he said.

“I was welcomed so well by everyone, so it has been absolutely great.

This article appeared in Murray Pioneer, 28 May 2025.