Nathan Bowden
Adelaide Rowing Club (SA)
Nathan Bowden’s career in rowing is defined by consistent achievement, adaptability, and leadership in team events. Hailing from South Australia, Nathan has built a solid reputation as a reliable and versatile rower, known for his performances in both sweep rowing and sculling. His career trajectory reflects his steady growth from junior competitions to senior level success, with a string of national titles and strong international results.
Nathan Bowden's rowing journey began with a remarkable performance in 2011, where he captured the National Championship in the Under 19 Coxless Pair. This victory was an early indicator of his potential and would mark the start of a promising career. However, Nathan’s international debut at the World Rowing Junior Championships in the Coxless Four that same year saw his crew finish in 13th place, a challenging result but one that provided important international experience for the young rower.
Nathan in the stroke seat of the Australian Junior Four
Image from the Hebfotos collection
In 2014, Nathan began to make his mark on the international stage, competing at the World Rowing Cup I in both the Coxless Pair (where he finished 5th) and the Men’s Eight (where his crew placed 4th). These strong performances were significant stepping stones in his career, helping him gain valuable exposure to the intense competition of senior rowing.
The 2015 season marked a breakthrough for Nathan, as he captured two National Championship titles: one in the Coxless Pair and another in the Coxless Four. These victories solidified his position as one of Australia’s top rowers in team events. His strength as a team player continued to shine, and he demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure in the national arena.
Nathan’s success at the National Championships continued in 2016, where he helped secure a 1st place finish in the Coxed Four, further showcasing his versatility and ability to row in different boat classes. At the international level, his performance in the World Rowing Cup II in the Men’s Eight was a notable achievement, with his crew finishing in 4th place—a competitive result that reinforced his standing as a key player in senior Australian rowing.
In 2017, Nathan's year was marked by both triumphs and challenges. Domestically, he continued his success with a 1st place finish in the Coxless Four at the National Championships. However, the international season was a mixed bag, with results ranging from a 13th place finish in the Coxless Pair at World Rowing Cup III to a 2nd place finish in the Coxed Pair at the same regatta. These contrasting outcomes highlighted the unpredictable nature of international competition, but Nathan’s ability to consistently deliver strong performances at the national level remained clear.
Nathan second from the left taking silver in the coxed pair at 2017 World Cup 3
Nathan in the stroke seat of the Australian coxless pair at 2017 World Cup 3
Images from the Guerin collection
The 2017 World Rowing Championships saw Nathan compete in the Men’s Eight, where the crew finished 8th—a difficult result but one that provided invaluable experience on the world stage. Despite the tough competition, Nathan's resilience in such a high-stakes environment demonstrated his capacity to persevere in challenging situations.
In 2018, Nathan continued to assert his dominance at the National Championships, securing another 1st place finish in the Coxed Four, further cementing his reputation as a key figure in Australian team rowing. His international performances, however, proved to be more difficult, with the Coxless Four finishing 14th at the World Rowing Cup III. Despite this, his consistency and ability to excel in domestic competition remained a highlight of the year.
In 2019, Nathan continued to prove his value to Australian rowing, with a 1st place finish in the Open Men’s Eight at the National Championships. This victory further demonstrated his growth as a rower and his ability to thrive in some of the most competitive boat classes in the sport.
Nathan Bowden’s career trajectory has been one of steady development, marked by a series of key victories at the National Championships and strong performances in international competitions. From his early successes in the Under 19 Coxless Pair to his continued dominance in team events like the Coxless Four and Coxed Four, Nathan has demonstrated exceptional versatility as a rower.
While his international results have varied, his ability to maintain a high level of performance domestically is undeniable. Nathan’s consistency in the Coxless Pair, Coxless Four, and Men’s Eight shows his adaptability and team-oriented mindset—qualities that have made him an asset to Australian rowing.
Some rowing highlights
2011 National Championship Under 19 Coxless Pair – First
2011 World Rowing Junior Championships Coxless Four – Thirteenth
2014 World Rowing Cup I Coxless Pair – Fifth
2014 World Rowing Cup I Men’s Eight – Fourth
2015 National Championship Coxless Pair – First
2015 National Championship Coxless Four – First
2016 National Championship Coxed Four – First
2017 National Championship Coxless Four – First
2017 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Eight – Fourth
2017 World Rowing Cup III Coxless Pair – Thirteenth
2017 World Rowing Cup III Coxed Pair – Second
2017 World Rowing Championship Men’s Eight – Eighth
2018 National Championship Coxed Four – First
2018 World Rowing Cup III Coxless Four – Fourteenth
2019 National Championship Open Men’s Eight – First
Jack Hargreaves
February 2025