Rowing together with... Tara Rigney

What is the main trait of your character?

Probably the stagecoach.

Has it influenced your sports career?

Yes, I think I'm pretty diligent about all the things like warm-up, recovery, physio exercises, etc.

What virtue do you wish you had?

I would like to keep improving my patience!

Fun fact about you.

I was born in London and I know how to play the guitar.

Do you have a motto for life?

I'm afraid not, but if I had it would be something to do with the importance of family and friends.

Your second favorite sport.

Playing ball!

Three athletes you admire.

Kim Crowe, Sam Kerr and Ash Barty.

What is the sporting milestone you remember most?

To date, going to the Tokyo Olympics has been my biggest sporting milestone.

How did you become a fan of your sport?

I rowed for a few years in high school, but eventually gave it up to play balonred. After tearing my ACL twice and going through three knee reconstructions I picked up rowing again at the end of 2018 to keep fit for balonred (I had very limited knee movement and cycling was getting a bit boring). I ended up loving the atmosphere in the hangars at Sydney University and never stopped.

Who helped you the most to achieve your sports dream?

I have been fortunate to have two amazing coaches: Alfie Young really developed me as an athlete early in my career and taught me the foundations of rowing. Ellen Randell has been my coach for the last two years and has helped me improve my rowing and racing ability to make it at the world level. They are both amazing coaches, I have learned so much from them, and they both make me laugh! My parents have also been instrumental during my sporting career... they have been supportive over the years, but have also stressed that it was important to have fun as well as success.

Your greatest achievement?

Bronze medal at the 2023 World Championships.

And your worst failure?

At the Australian National Rowing Championships in 2021 (two weeks after I was selected for the double sculls for the Tokyo Olympics), I competed in the U23 skiff on Lake Barrington. It was very windy on the course that day... unfortunately, I hit a buoy and fell into the water just 100m into the race. I came in last by a minute and a half! It was humbling, but now I can look back and have a good laugh.

What has the sport taught you for life?

Sport has taught me how to manage failure and setbacks. Most athletes almost never kiss the saint as soon as they arrive, the ability to learn and move on is certainly a learned skill.

How would you like fans to remember you?

I think I would like to be remembered as someone who brought a few laughs and good energy to training and competitions.

What is the biggest challenge in your sport?

My biggest challenge in rowing is improving my power and weights. We have an amazing weight coach at the center (Dave Young) who is helping me, but it's been tough!

What is the most important aspect of any training?

Enjoy it - there's no point in training three times a day if you're not having fun!

Do you have any rituals or hobbies before a competition?

I'm a little embarrassed to say it, but I like watching the Michael Jordan documentary on Netflix.

What role has your upbringing played in your sports career?

I am a firm believer in having other interests outside of rowing. I have studied a commerce degree at the University of Sydney (I'm about to finish it), and recently completed an internship at Macquarie Bank. Having these experiences helps to degrease a bit from rowing and training, and ensures you have a plan for when you retire.

And what role has sport played in your education?

Rowing has allowed me to develop some skills such as communication, time management and problem solving. Applying those skills to my studies has helped me to be more efficient.

A tip for the younger ones.

Don't be afraid to try new things and try everything!